Happily Divorced And After

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media 

California’s U.S. Senators, Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, along with Democratic members of the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works (EPW), are demanding answers from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) following the sudden freeze of funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.

This program, authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is designed to accelerate the construction of zero-emission vehicle charging stations across the U.S. It granted California $384 million over five years to expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

California’s plan was approved in September 2023 by the Biden administration, but earlier this month the Trump Administration froze $3 billion allocated to the NEVI program, halting planned construction.

In a letter to DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, Padilla and Schiff expressed concern that the decision undermines years of planning and effort by state transportation departments. They argued that the freeze disregards Congress’s constitutional authority over federal spending and threatens the environmental and economic benefits the program was set to deliver.

“Your abrupt cutoff of NEVI funding disregards these efforts and subjects states and their partners to delay, uncertainty, and bureaucratic red tape. It also threatens the jobs, innovation, and environmental benefits that this program was ready and authorized to deliver through implementation,” the senators wrote in a letter to the president.

The NEVI program aims to make electric vehicles more accessible by installing charging stations every 50 miles along major travel corridors, promoting clean energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The Senators requested that the funding freeze be immediately reversed and demanded answers on the legal grounds for the decision. They also called for the release of documents related to discussions involving the White House, the Office of Management and Budget, and other key figures.

The freeze could delay critical infrastructure projects and disrupt the transition to zero-emission vehicles, particularly in rural areas, where access to charging stations is limited. The Senators’ letter was signed by several other lawmakers, including Senators Sheldon (D-RI) Whitehouse, Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Bernie Sanders (D-VT).

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media 

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed three Black judges to Superior Courts across California. The Commission on Judicial Appointments also confirmed a Black Judge, Charles Smiley, that Newsom appointed in November to the state’s Courts of Appeal.

Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, chair of the commission, announced the unanimous confirmation of Judge Charles Smiley to the First Appellate District, Division One, in San Francisco. Smiley, an Alameda County Superior Court judge since 2012, fills the vacancy left by the retirement of Justice Sandra L. Margulies.

Newsom’s judicial appointments last week included seven judges in Los Angeles County and others in Modoc, Riverside, San Diego, San Mateo, Tulare, and Ventura counties. Among them are three Black judges appointed to Superior Courts:

• James Montgomery Jr. (Los Angeles County Superior Court), a former court commissioner and attorney.
• Chandra Reid (San Diego County Superior Court), a former Deputy District Attorney with nearly two decades of prosecutorial experience.
• Mark McCannon (San Mateo County Superior Court), previously an Alameda County judge and prosecutor.

By Bo Tefu | California Black Media 

U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) introduced her first bill in Congress last week.

 “The Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters Act,” aims to reduce fraud in government aid programs for small businesses. The bipartisan legislation, co-sponsored by Small Business Committee Chair Roger Williams (R-TX-25), seeks to ensure that only eligible small businesses benefit from federal financial support.

The bill amends the Small Business Act to bar individuals and entities convicted of financial fraud — or making false statements related to grants — from receiving non-disaster- related financial assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA). This includes grants and contracts intended to support small businesses, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Simon addressed growing concern over fraud in the SBA’s pandemic relief programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) as she emphasized the bill’s importance.

“While small businesses faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, some exploited vital resources meant for struggling businesses,” said Simon.

“My bill ensures that those who have exploited the system will not be able to take advantage of future opportunities,” she added.

The bill is part of Simon’s broader effort to provide long-term support to small businesses across her district, which includes Oakland and other parts of Alameda County.

By BoTefu | California Black Media

In a speech at the 56th annual NAACP Image Awards – held February 22 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium — former Vice President Kamala Harris delivered an upbeat speech, reminding the audience that the future of America “is bright and that they hold the power to determine the course of the country’s future.

In her first major public appearance since she left office, Harris was honored with the NAACP’s prestigious Chairman’s Award.

The NAACP Chairman’s Award honors individuals who “excel in public service and leverage their unique platforms to ignite and drive meaningful change.”

“Eternal vigilance is the price of Liberty,” said Harris, who received a standing ovation when she walked on stage. “To stay alert, to seek the truth, and to actively participate in the fight for America’s future.

Harris said the NAACP came into being at a time America struggled with greed, bitterness and hatred.

“Those who forged the NAACP, those who carried its legacy forward, had no illusions about the forces they were up against – – no illusions about how stony the road would be,” Harris continued.

“Some look at this moment and rightly feel the weight of history. Some see the flames on our horizons, the rising waters in our cities, the shadows gathering over our democracy, and ask, ‘What do we do now?’ But we know exactly what to do, because we have done it before, and we will do it again.”

Ending on an optimistic note, Harris said she has no illusions about the challenges ahead.

“This chapter of our American story, this chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the Oval Office — nor by the wealthiest among us,” she said. “The American story will be written by you, written by us — by we the people. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States.”

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

The legacy of Black firefighters in California is built on stories of bravery and perseverance in the face of social and legalized discrimination.

As Black History Month comes to a close, California Black Media (CBM) honors the courage and service of Black firefighters in the state who were pioneers and torchbearers for future generations.

Sam Haskins became California’s first documented Black firefighter in 1892. Born a slave in Virginia, he migrated to Los Angeles around 1880, seeking a better life for his family. Haskins worked as a “Call Fireman,” filling in for sick or injured firefighters. Well-liked throughout the city, Haskins tragically lost his life in an accident in route to a distress call.

To honor his service, Councilman James Ashman directed the Fire Commission to organize an engine company of all Black men. This paved the way for Lieutenant George W. Bright to become the first Black member of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) in 1897.

Arnett Hartsfield also played a key role in the history of Black firefighters in California. After serving in the army, he joined the LAFD in the 1940s while earning degrees from both USC and UCLA. Despite his qualifications, Hartsfield was denied promotions and forced to work in segregated firehouses. At the time, Black firefighters could only be promoted within the city’s two African American fire companies, with opportunities opening only when someone left a position.

To challenge these injustices, Hartsfield and 30 others formed the Stentorians, a fraternal organization for Black firefighters, to fight for desegregation. With the legal precedent set by Brown v. Board of Education, they successfully integrated the department. Hartsfield later retired to become an attorney and professor of Black Studies at Cal State Long Beach, also serving as historian for the African American Firefighter Museum, founded in 1997.

Retired Captain Brent Burton, a former Stentorian president, credits Hartsfield’s mentorship as instrumental in his decision to become a firefighter in the 1980s.

“I went down to his house, I’m 16, and he invites me in. He has a slide carousel going in his living room against the wall and he’s showing me all these old images of the Black firemen at the turn of the century, the early 20s and 30s. And I’m looking at this like, wow,” said Burton.  “So, my mind was just totally open and that’s when I fell in love with the history. I hung out with Mr. Hartsfield for 32 years before he passed away.”

Burton’s passion for the service helped him ascend quickly to the rank of Captain within the LAFD by age 28. However, he still faced racial prejudice from White colleagues.

“As a probationary firefighter, you know, going places and these guys are straight out saying, ‘you know, my son can’t get on the job because we’re hiring all these minorities.’ And I said, he must be talking about me,” Burton remembered.

During his 10-year presidency of the Stentorians, Burton helped report and fight cases of discrimination within the department.

“I remember all the cases that we would help guys with. Letters we would write. Meetings with the fire chief. Bringing up racial incidents. And then, of course, the hiring,” he said.  “There has always been problems hiring. It seems like our best people don’t get hired.”

Captain Robert Hawkins, the current Stentorian president with 22 years in the LAFD, has seen firsthand the discrimination Black firefighters still face.

“You hear things like low representation of Black firefighters, the racial treatment that they endured. Although it was horrific back then, we still have a lot of the systems involved that are meant to hold us back. A lot of the racial slurs that are being said in the fire service and low representation of Black firefighters,” Hawkins stated.

Despite the numerous accounts of racial discrimination within the LAFD, there have been two African American fire chiefs. Millage Peaks was appointed the first African American Fire Chief in 2009 and Brian Cummings followed Chief Peaks’ 2011.  In 2011, Daryl Osby was appointed as the Fire Chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, marking the first time an African American held this position in the department’s history.

“I find it interesting that, in 1954, they used terms describing Black firefighters as having a retention problem, being unsafe for themselves and for the fire companies. And we hear those same things today when describing our new firefighters,” he continued.

Hawkins believes that understanding the rich history of Black firefighters who excelled and fought injustice will help current servicemen achieve equality. Despite ongoing challenges, he remains proud of his profession and hopeful for the future.

“I’ve tried to work, in my same community, to serve the people that look like me and don’t look like me, to make sure I could treat everybody as if they were millionaires despite their living circumstance. Whether they are homeless or living in a $10 million mansion. That’s the greatest joy I get. Especially when I can see a young person that looks like me, that looks at this profession and is inspired to do the same thing,” Hawkins said.

Skydance Sports Joins the NFL Career Tour, Which Gives NFL Players Valuable Insight into the Entertainment Industry

SANTA MONICA, CA— Building on the global announcement of Hidden Empire Sports Collective (HESC), the National Football League (NFL) and Hidden Empire Film Group (HEFG) are set to launch the third annual NFL Career Tour joined this year by Skydance Sports, the joint venture between the NFL and Skydance. Designed by the NFL’s Player Engagement team, this premier professional development experience offers current players and NFL Legends exclusive access to major organizations, providing them with invaluable industry exposure and high-level networking opportunities with top executives.

As part of the NFL Career Tour, Skydance Sports,  a leader in premium sports storytelling, will offer an exclusive look behind the scenes of sports filmmaking including providing participants with an immersive writers’ room experience and an insider look at the Hollywood industry.. This unique collaboration will inspire the next generation of sports media professionals by showcasing the power of storytelling in elevating the game.

“We are excited to provide this amazing experience for NFL players and Legends,” said NFL Senior Vice President of Player Operations Tracy Perlman. “The new division of Hidden Empire provides an opportunity that educates the attendees on every facet of the entertainment business. Their access to talent and entertainment executives also provides an additional networking opportunity for the group, which is a great resource.”

Following its tremendous success in past years, the NFL and HESC have teamed up again to host the 2025 NFL x Hidden Empire Career Tour at the Hidden Empire Studio in Santa Monica, CA.

“An NFL career is just the beginning. The real game is building a future beyond the field. That’s why this partnership with the NFL is so crucial—it equips players with the tools, connections, and opportunities to thrive long after the final whistle.” said co-CEO of Hidden Empire, Roxanne Taylor. “It’s fresh, different, and an exciting way to build today’s athletes into tomorrow’s leaders in the film and television space.”

“Skydance Sports is thrilled to be joining Hidden Empire and our partners at the NFL for this incredible opportunity,” said Head of Skydance Sports, Jason Reed. “We believe current and former players have a great deal to contribute to Hollywood storytelling. Our goal is to give players new insights into how the film industry operates and how they can unleash the potential of their unique skills and experiences.”

This unique three-day program offers a comprehensive exploration of the entertainment industry, from educational sessions to hands-on workshops and in-depth camera training. Last year’s three-day experience was a major success that included celebrity panelists such as Tyrese Gibson, Master P., and NFL Legends Vernon Davis, Rocket Ismail, and Ephraim Salaam. Players learned from and worked collaboratively with entertainment industry stars, including Michael Ealy, Demetrius Shipp Jr., Steven Caple Jr., Joe Carnahan, Kurt Wimmer, Charles Murray, Rodney Barnes, and many more.

“Our commitment to facilitating these athletes’ transition into their next chapter is unwavering, and we are overjoyed to provide them with this unparalleled opportunity to expand their horizons, embrace their creative passions, and chart a new course in their illustrious careers,” said co-CEO of Hidden Empire, Deon Taylor. “This collaboration underscores our dedication to nurturing talent and unlocking new possibilities, paving the way for these remarkable individuals to make an indelible mark in the world of entertainment.”

Attendees will put the knowledge gained into practice by shooting, producing, directing, and acting in a short film. All camera equipment for the workshop was sponsored by David Dodson of Panavision. The Career Tour will conclude with feedback about the short films and a discussion of how players can further explore their interest in the entertainment industry following the event.

About Hidden Empire Sports Collective

Hidden Empire Film Group (HEFG) and The Union announced the launch of Hidden Empire Sports Collective (HESC), the first entertainment division from a film studio to prioritize intellectual property and content creation for athletes and sports earlier this month. The new arm will redefine storytelling through strategic partnerships to create a pipeline for authentic, culture-centric narratives from the world’s best athletes. HESC will be overseen by The Union’s Co-CEO, Sumair Khan. Rodney Guillroy and Ephraim Salaam will join the leadership team as President of Talent Strategy and Creative Executive, respectively. They bring their collective expertise to the helm alongside Deon and Roxanne Avent Taylor, Co-CEOs of HEFG.

About Skydance Sports

Skydance Sports, the joint venture between the NFL and Skydance, has quickly become the preeminent studio for leagues, teams, elite athletes, and A-List Hollywood talent seeking to produce premium, sports-related entertainment.

Initially launched in 2021, the studio’s first two projects include the Sports Emmy-nominated docuseries _Good Rivals _and the critically acclaimed film _Air_ which received two Golden Globe Award nominations including “Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.” In 2022, Skydance partnered with the NFL and NFL Films on a joint venture to significantly expand multi-platform programming across sports in a broad range of formats for partners, fans, and viewers around the world. The partnership’s projects include the upcoming docuseries _America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys_ chronicling the Dallas Cowboys’ dynasty and franchise owner Jerry Jones, a documentary feature on football legend John Elway, and a docuseries on tennis icon Rafael Nadal for Netflix along with a scripted series for Hulu written and executive produced by Dan Fogelman set inside the world of the NFL. Recently released projects include the Hallmark holiday movie _Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story_, _Aaron Rodgers: Enigma_ for Netflix, _Freediver _on Prime Video, _Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants _for HBO as well as the Sports Emmy-nominated _NFL Draft: The Pick Is In_ for The Roku Channel and _Kelce_ for Prime Video.

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

Last month, about 100 reparations advocates met at the State Capitol to build support for bills they backed that didn’t make it to the Assembly floor for votes during the last legislative session.

During the day-long event — titled Reparations Education and Advocacy Day (R.E.A.D) — members of 20 grassroots organizations announced that they were willing to work with any lawmaker, Republican or Democrat, who would help to advance their cause.

Last week, the advocates found support in an unlikely campaigner: Bill Essayli (R-Corona), a Republican lawmaker, who just last year stated he does not support using taxpayer money to pay for reparations.

In a Feb. 21 press release, the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) stated that the “movement to recognize and support American Freedmen residents is a non-partisan effort” that prioritizes sound “policy over political affiliation.”

CJEC is the statewide organization at the forefront of mobilizing grassroots efforts for reparations and reparative Justice for “Freedmen,” a term used to describe Black Americans who are descendants of slaves in the United States.

“Over the coming days and weeks, additional provisions will be added to further honor the state’s responsibility to serve and develop policies for American Freedmen residents directly, such as in areas of business, housing, and education, instead of non-profit organizations with little to no transparency and public accountability,” CJEC’s release stated.

Essayli, a former Riverside County prosecutor and the first Muslim American elected to the California Legislature, introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 1315 Feb. 21, legislation that would create the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency (CAFAA). Essayli says he is presenting the bill with the support of members of CJEC.

“I have introduced AB 1315 to deliver on a broken promise and engage in an honest discussion about creating opportunities for American Freedman instead of more empty political rhetoric from the Democrat Party,” Essayli shared with California Black Media (CBM) on Feb. 22.

But some political watchers and skeptical Democrats are questioning the motives behind Essayli’s sudden and unexpected support of reparations policy.

At press time, Essayli had not announced the introduction of AB 1315 on his website or social media pages.

Some are also pointing out the inconsistency in his position on reparations.

For example, the Black LA Young Democrats reposted a screenshot of Essayli’s post on X form last year, stating that he doesn’t support taxpayer-funded reparations.

“All Black Folks in California are watching y’all getting played,” the Black LA Young Democrats wrote, referring to CJEC.

“The drum beat for reparations is growing louder,” Essayli posted on X last year. “Today’s resolution, ACR 135, was the first step and formally recognized the harms of slavery committed by the State of California (even though we were never a slave state.)”

Essayli followed that post with this: “I’m very much opposed to CA taxpayers paying reparations.”

Essayli made that statement following a floor speech acknowledging an Assembly resolution that apologized for slavery.

In Essayli’s new bill, AB 1315, he proposes the creation of the California American Freedman Affairs Agency (CAFAA) a state-level department that would create a genealogy office to process eligibility requests and provide a legal arm to support reparations claims.

The bill mirrors many of the provisions in Senate Bill (SB) 1403 authored by former state Sen. Steven Bradford, who represented the 35th District in Los Angeles County before terming out last year.

Bradford’s bill, SB 1403, also called for establishing CAFAA as a state- level department that would administer all reparations activities.

However, some members of the CLBC did not support the bill moving to the Assembly floor for a vote because they said it “ceded legislative authority, which is critical given the generational impact this legislation would have.”

“We understand the legislative process is complex and does not always unfold as initially envisioned,” the CLBC’s said in a statement. “However, we remain committed to our long-term goals and recognize that this is a multi-year effort.”

CJEC has however blamed the stalling of the bill on the CLBC and expressed their disappointment and outrage.

Last year, according to Bradford, Essayli offered to bring his bills up for a floor vote. but Essayli told Bradford then that he would not vote for the legislation he sponsored. Bradford declined the offer.

“I seriously wonder if @billessayli will be able to keep a straight face if this comes to the floor. Half the audience will laugh, then protesters will start yelling and boom – the GOP has enough footage of the scene to covers years of campaign ads,” wrote OakSyder, a commentor on X.

News of Essayli’s AB 1315 arrived a day after the CLBC presented a 16-bill package with several reparations and reparative justice priorities.

“This bill (AB 1315) does not require further study before it can become operable, instead, it initiates real steps toward progress immediately,”

CJEC stated in response to the CLBC bill package.

“For too long, the Democrat Party has lied to Black voters and delivered nothing decade after decade,” Essayli told CBM. “This was most recently on display with the bait and switch by the California Legislative Black Caucus which killed SB 1403 in the final hour of the legislative session last year.”

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) says he looks forward to questioning Essayli when a hearing on AB 1315 is held.

“The author won’t publicly claim CJEC’s bill, or clarify if he believes all debts owed to American Descendants of Slavery should be paid in full – including monetary compensation,” Bryan posted on X.

“There’s one Black man on the Judiciary Committee who gets to ask all the right questions,” Bryan said, referring to himself.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Hear the voice of something out there “laughing at us.”[Robert Jenson]. Something laughing in the darkness! Cracking up!

Enters Satan, Rolling in the aisles! [Job 42:1-6]. Busting a gut!

Out of all the warnings given to them, they did not listen. [Jeremiah 7:24]. Ha! Ha! Ha! Assignment Completed!

Satan roams the Earth, seeking to corrupt humanity, and he does so with much success. [1 Peter 5:8-9].

I guess as Bob Dylan sang in his song, “Gotta Serve Somebody. It may be the Devil, or it may be the Lord, but you’re going to have to serve somebody.”

Dylan leaves little to the imagination as to who he is serving when asked by Ed Bradley of 60 Minutes, why he is still out there performing after all these years [five decades now]. Dylan gives a chilling answer regarding a bargain he made with an invisible spiritual entity that he feels he must keep:

Dylan: Well, it goes back to that destiny thing. You know, I made a bargain with it, you know, long time ago. I’m holding up my end.

Bradley: What was your bargain?

Dylan: Get where I am now.

Bradley: Should I ask who you made the bargain with?

Dylan: With the Chief . . . you know, the chief commander.

Bradley: On this earth?

Dylan: This earth, and the world we can’t see.

While Bob Dylan’s admission on 60 Minutes to having made a bargain with the unseen entity that rules the wicked world is more common than most people know, Jesus resisted a far greater temptation from the evil one. Satan offered Jesus worldly power over the nations of the world in exchange for Jesus’ worship, but Jesus rebuked Satan and declared: Be gone, Satan! For it is written; You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve. [Matthew 4:1-11].

Jesus warned that there is no profit in serving the Devil and declared: For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? [Mark 8:36-37].

Know this one thing for sure, in the end Satan and his angels will be cast into the Lake of Fire [Revelation 20:11]. But so will all who have rejected God. [Matthew 25:41 & 46; Revelation 20:14-15].

So don’t be fooled. You ride with the Devil in this life, you die with the Devil in the afterlife. It is not worth it to compromise your life for a quick fix with the devil.

You have an enemy. His number one weapon against you is a lie, and if you believe that lie, your onward progress will stop with God.

However, if you have committed to fill your mind, your heart and your life with truth, there is not a weapon formed against you that will stand. No lie will be able to stop your onward progress. [1 Peter 5:8; Hebrews 3:12].

So, be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone whom he may devour. He is not to be joked about; he is not to be made fun of. He is a serious, formidable foe. [1 Peter 5:8]. He’s a schemer and he will do anything to win.

Understand, the Devil wants to totally destroy you. He seeks to ruin you. He is filled with fury and hatred toward you. He has no kind thought towards you, no pity for you, no sympathy for you. He would rejoice over your downfall.

Satan’s agenda is to get you to turn away from God and take you with him to Hell. For the Devil knows that a time of judgment is coming. He knows that he ultimately will end up in the lake of fire, and he wants to take as many as he can with him. [Revelation 20:10].

No good can come from allowing the Devil to ride shotgun.  So, as the song “Shake the Devil Off” says: Shake, Shake, Shake, Shake the Devil off in the name of Jesus. Don’t let him ride, he might want to drive. Don’t let him get you down, put you on the ground. He’s out there seeking, whom he may devour. But you’ve got to rebuke him. He’s under [your] feet. Shake the Devil off in the name of Jesus. [Dorothy Norwood].

No good can come when the Devil is the captain of the ship and is at the helm driving the ship.  Don’t let the Devil ride. Tell Satan what Jesus told him: “Get out of here, Satan,” [Matthew 4:10].

God has given you authority to resist the devil. Exercise the authority delegated to you. [Luke 10:19]. If you don’t the Devil will wreak havoc in your life and then laugh. Know that nothing in the Devil’s arsenal is able to inflict a mortal blow on the child of God. No matter how violently he attacks us, God has promised that, because of Jesus Christ, we will remain standing to the very end.

Listen to the confidence that the Apostle Paul expresses about this. “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Then he adds, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [Romans 8:37-39]. Such promises give us strength and courage to engage fully in the fight.

The war is real. The battle is raging. The stakes are all high. Will you run? Will you hide? Will you disengage? Will you quit? Or…will you FIGHT?

Are you ready to say, “Enough is enough! I am not laying down and letting the Devil run over me anymore! I will not run! I will not hide! I will not disengage! I will not quit! I am getting up and suiting up in God’s armor. I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ! I am engaging the enemy of my soul in battle. I’m getting my FIGHT back! I will win! [James 4:7].

The Devil thought he had me. He thought he won but God saved me and kept me in His arms. [Devil Thought He Had Me by SETTLER].

The tide has turned. [Luke 6:21; Psalm 2:4]. Ha! Ha! Ha! Victorious in the Lord! Thank you Jesus for all you done for me.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) has unveiled its 2025 legislative priorities. Titled the the “Road to Repair 2025,” the bill package continues the CLBC’s effort to address the generational harm caused by slavery and systemic discrimination against Black Californians.

Informed by the recommendations of the California Reparation Task Force, the CLBC leadership says the package includes a series of legislative measures that aim to promote equity, economic opportunity, and justice for Black communities.

“The Road to Repair 2025” package is about addressing the centuries of harm inflicted on Black Californians,” said Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego), Chair of the CLBC. “This is an opportunity to turn the promise of equality into a reality.”

The package highlights efforts to reduce health, wealth, housing, and education disparities. Key proposals include Assembly Bill (AB) 7, which would prioritize higher education admissions for descendants of American chattel slavery, and AB 57, which seeks to allocate home purchase assistance funds to first-time home buyers who are eligible Black Californians.

Weber Pierson, Sen. Laura Richardson (D-Inglewood) and Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) introduced Senate Bill (SB) 518, which would establish the Bureau of Descendants of American Slavery.

To meet the criteria, SB 518 would require the bureau to contain a genealogy division, a property reclamation division, an education and outreach division, and a legal affairs division.

“When fully implemented, (SB 518) will provide an in-depth database of records of land and property once owned by Black Californians,” Weber-Pierson said. “It will provide families documentation that may help reclaim lost assets or provide historical displacements.”

Other significant measures include SB 503 (Weber Pierson) which aims to regulate artificial intelligence in healthcare to mitigate racial biases, and SB 510 (Richardson), which calls for a comprehensive K-12 curriculum on racial disparities, including slavery and segregation. Another bill proposes requiring the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to develop voluntary work programs for institutional residents.

CLBC Vice Chair Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) emphasized that the package is part of the CLBC’s ongoing commitment to repair the harms of the past and ensure a more equitable future.

“As we confront socially regressive policies at the national level, California remains committed to standing up for justice and opportunity for all,” said Bryan.

The CLBC is calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom and lawmakers to support these measures, which aim to create long-lasting change for Black communities across the state.

Weber Pierson said the CLBC’s bill package aims to eliminate the generational pain and racial disparities developed from inhuman policies in health, wealth, housing, and education.

The package also includes directing the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation to identify and address ongoing mortgage lending discrimination and require and K-12 curriculum that takes an accurate look at the historic impacts of segregation, slavery, and systemic discrimination.

The package is more than the acknowledgment of past wrongs,” Weber  Pierson said. “It’s ensuring a more just and equitable future for everyone. We are committed to working with our colleagues in the legislature, Gov. Newsom, and the people of California to move these policies forward.”

Darlene Crumedy, a Bay Area resident and a member of the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) — a reparations advocacy organization — says she has taken a critical look at the bill package which she says is not “bold and strong enough.”

“Right now, there’s a 30-day wait before they start going through committees and amendments. So, we do want to wait to see if there will be any changes,” said Crumedy, who has participated in many pro-reparations activities across the state.”

“These are the same amendments that Newsom put last year for SB 1403 and Bradford rejected them,” Crumedy said. “This is just cut and paste. It’s just a stall tactic for another two years.”

According to the CLBC, SB 437 (Weber Pierson) would require the Director of Finance to allocate $6 million to the CSU to conduct the research recommended by the Task Force. Newsom had already allocated $12 million in the 2024-2025 budget for the implementation of reparations.

“We will engage in conversations, push for bold solutions and ensure California leads the way in addressing historic wrongs with meaningful action,” Weber Pierson said. “This work will not be easy and change of this magnitude does not happen overnight.”

The Haitian American recording artist Shaney Poo Celebrates Culture and Connection

Haitian-American recording artist Shaney Poo is excited to announce the release of his vibrant new single “Latin Nights,” a pop-rap track that beautifully intertwines his Haitian roots with the rich textures of Latin music. This track not only showcases the diverse rhythms of Latin music but also pays homage to the rich cultural tapestry of the Haitian community. “Latin Nights” is the debut single from Shaney Poo’s upcoming project, Welcome To The New World. The track celebrates his passion for Latin culture while highlighting the universal bond that unites us all. “Latin Nights” celebrates the rich musical heritages that define the Latin and Haitian cultures. With infectious beats and dynamic melodies, Shaney Poo invites listeners on a sonic journey that echoes the pulse of Latin nightlife and the spirited essence of Haitian festivities. This crossover is more than just a collaboration; it’s a blending of traditions and an exploration of shared experiences.

With “Latin Nights,” Shaney Poo brings together the influences of his life experiences and the warmth of friendships cultivated over the years. The talented Miami-based Colombian producer Kae Alis played a key role in shaping the instrumental, while notable Argentine graphic designer Federico Sanchez crafted the captivating cover art. Shaney is renowned for bridging cultures as the founder of Show & Tell Boston, a popular cultural podcast platform in Boston, Massachusetts. He is also the CEO of B.L.A.C Pop Music, an entertainment label where he leads music production and organizes local showcases, working closely with a diverse range of talents. In a town lacking local entertainment resources for creatives, emerging bands, musicians, singers, and artists, B.L.A.C Pop and Show and Tell Boston have become the go-to hubs for indie talent, as well as for local businesses, corporate, and community events.

Follow the Journey of “Shaney Poo” & Experience “Latin Nights,” available on all major streaming platforms.