Happily Divorced And After

By Edward Henderson| California Black Media 

Last week, a new report based on census data was released showing the impact of California’s high cost of living on people who earn the lowest incomes in the state.

According to census data, 45.5% of homes in California are occupied by renters, second only to New York at 49.7%. Nationwide, the rate of renter-occupied housing units is 36.9%, the highest it’s been since 1970.

United Ways of California uses data such as the costs of food, health care, childcare, transportation and other basic needs to compile its “Real Cost Measures of Living in California” report.

According to the study, African American and Latino household seem to be struggling the most.

51% of Latino households fall below the Real Cost Measure compared to 45% of African American households, 30% of Asian American households, and 23% of White households.

Factors contributing to California’s high renting percentage are housing prices and having a larger immigrant community that the rest of the United States.

Last week, some California lawmakers held a rally to raise awareness about a proposed  amendment, authored by Assemblymembers Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) and Ash Kalra (D-San Jose), that would make adequate housing a constitutional right.

By Joe Bowers | California Black Media

Dr. William “Bill” Spriggs, an educator and one of the economists serving on the California Reparations Task Force, passed away on June 6.

The chief economist for the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and a former chairperson of the Economics Department at Howard University, Spriggs, 68, held several economic policy positions in the federal government, spanning two presidential administrations.

Among those mourning his passing is U.S. President Joe Biden. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Bill Spriggs, a man who brought as much lasting brilliance to economics as he brought joy to his friends and colleagues,”  Biden shared in a written statement. “Bill was a towering figure in his field, a trailblazer who challenged the field’s basic assumptions about racial discrimination in labor markets, pay equity, and worker empowerment. His work inspired countless economists, some of whom work for our Administration, to join him in the pursuit of economic justice.”

In March, Spriggs was among four economists who developed formulas estimating that the amount California owes Black residents who are descendants of enslaved people in the United States is likely to exceed $800 billion.

“Devastated to hear the news of Dr. #BillSpriggs’ passing! He left a tremendous mark on society, contributing to the first-in-the-nation California Reparation Task Force, including the compensation section of our final report (releasing on June 29). Rest well!,” California Reparations Task Force Chairperson Kamilah V. Moore tweeted on June 7.

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

Two bills aimed at equipping K-12 students with the ability to discern between accurate and false news — and teach them media literacy, more broadly – are currently progressing through the California legislature.

Assembly Bill (AB) 873, authored by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park), and AB 787  by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland) would mandate that schools in California offer instruction at every grade level to promote a more informed and civically engaged society.

As of June 7, both AB 873 and AB 787 are pending review on the Senate floor and have been referred to the Education Committee.

“Children today are being inundated by misinformation and disinformation on social media networks and digital platforms,” Berman said in a May statement. “The last few years have been a terrifying wake-up call to the insidious nature of online misinformation, from jeopardizing public health, to threatening the foundation of our democracy, to dangerously rewriting history. Anyone who spends much time on social media could greatly benefit from media literacy training.”

Media literacy, also known as information literacy, develops students’ critical thinking skills around all types of media platforms and instructs students to evaluate online information that affects them, their communities, and the world.

AB 873 intends to direct the  Instructional Quality Commission (IQC) to incorporate media literacy content into the English language arts/English language development, science, mathematics, and history-social science curriculum frameworks when those frameworks are next revised.

A growing number of states are now requiring schools to educate students in media and information literacy, including New Jersey, Illinois, and Delaware.

“This bill is an important step to help ensure young people are equipped with the relevant media and informational literacy skills so critical in the 21st century,” said Nicholas Harvey, K-12 Policy Director for Generation Up.

AB 787 would require, on or before January 1, 2025, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) Tony Thurmond, in consultation with the State Board of Education, to survey teacher librarians, principals, and technology directors to monitor how they are currently integrating digital citizenship and media literacy education into their curriculum.

AB 787 would also require Thurmond to share the results of the survey with an advisory committee consisting of specified representatives.

A 2022 Pew Research Report found that the number of teens who use the internet at least once a day has increased by 5% since 2014-2015.  Many of these teens are active on popular social media platforms such as Twitter, Tik Tok, Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram. Currently, 97% of teens report using the internet daily, compared with 92% in 2014-15.

Pew Research Center reports from 2018 and 2022 also found that 95% of teens have access to smartphones, and 45% are online more frequently. In addition, the reports stated that 56% of Black teens are online, compared to 55% Latinos, and 37% of White teens.

“If these practices are important and salient to our youth, then it is critically relevant for educators to acknowledge this insight as they teach, and for researchers to write about studies in humanizing ways,” according to a January 2023 International Literacy report titled, “Normalizing Black Students/Youth and their Families’ Digital and STEAM Literacies.”

Common Sense Media’s California policy manager Kami Peer, a nonprofit focused on youth and media, told the Napa Valley Register that Berman’s and Gabriel’s legislation would change the way student’s use the media to obtain information and handle ever-changing digital tools.

“We believe these two bills, if signed into law, would bring California to the forefront of this important policy area and ensure our students are well-equipped to face the rapidly evolving digital, online landscape,” Peer said.

By Carrie Stanton, DMV Regional Administrator

The REAL ID is here, and it’s easier to get than you think.? What is the REAL ID and why do you need one?

The REAL ID is an identification card or driver’s license that is also considered a federally accepted form of identification.

Beginning May 7, 2025, federal laws will require air travelers aged 18 years and older to have a REAL ID, valid passport, or another federally approved form of identification to fly within the United States and enter secure facilities such as military bases.

If you haven’t applied for the REAL ID yet now is the perfect time!

You can do it online with the necessary documents to complete the application – one proof of identity such as a valid passport, original or certified copy of birth certificate or valid permanent resident card; AND two documents to prove California residency such as a utility bill or bank statement. You can check DMV’s REAL ID checklist to see if your documents qualify as a REAL ID document.

Once you complete the online application and upload the needed documents, you will receive a confirmation code and be asked to make an appointment online to visit your local DMV office.

Many people have completed the in-office visit in about 15 minutes with an appointment.

Over 15.8 million people in California have their REAL ID as of May 2023. Though the REAL ID isn’t required and is optional, regular California driver’s licenses and identification cards will have limits federally.

When traveling, you want to get through the airport as quickly and as simply as possible. Starting May 7, 2025, if you don’t have a REAL ID you will need to bring a passport to travel domestically.

This may cause some headaches for those who don’t have a REAL ID and aren’t used to traveling domestically with a passport. But when you have the REAL ID, it eliminates having to remember to bring your passport to fly within the United States.

Start your REAL ID application now to avoid the rush when you need it later.

Visit dmv.ca.gov/realid and get started today!

The Inland Empire’s Old School 70’s Summer Jam will be held on Saturday, July 1, at 6:30 p.m. at 8443 Haven Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. The Jam will be presented by Stone Gas Entertainment-A Bromatics Production and will feature the Bromatics-Performing Motown Hits. There will be other special performances by: The Five Tempting Men; The SoulTones -Harold Melvins Blue Notes; Melodik-singing the hits of the Marvelettes; and Kim Caffey-A Gladys Knight Tribute. The show will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with the doors opening at 6 p.m.

Purchase your tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inland-empires-old-school-70s-summer-jam-tickets-634369806167.

By Lou K Coleman

Thinking you got all the time in the world to get your act together. Well, you don’t! If Jesus came on the scene saying, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at Hand” why would you think that you got all the time in the world to get your act together? I tell you; the times of ignorance God overlooked, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent…” [Acts 17:30-31]. Don’t be foolish, repent before it is too late, because contempt against the Lord is a very serious verdict. The consequences are eternal and will not be reversed.

So repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord. Therefore, turn and live! [Ezekiel 18:30-32]. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” [Romans 6:23].

Then I heard a loud voice say, Court is now in session! And the Almighty, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace, the Judge, God the Father steps up to the throne. Stunned silence fills the courtroom. Mouths are agape. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. The trials begin. The testimony of the witnesses is clear and irrefutable. You are found guilty on all charges. You are sentenced to everlasting punishment. [Revelation 21:12-15]. Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. [Matthew 25:41]. Bailiff, take them away! Cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place where there are weeping and gnashing of teeth. [Matthew 25:30] I tell you, it would have been better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell to the unquenchable fire, where the worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. [Mark 9:43,48].

Court is now adjourned.

The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’” [Luke 16:22-24]

And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name. [Revelation 14:9-11].

I tell you, still don’t get it, wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. [Proverbs 4:7].

INLAND EMPIRE—- The Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective (IEIYC) is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Undocumented Mentorship Academy Photovoice Art Exhibit, a transformative event that aims to amplify the narratives of BIPOC, first generation immigrant youth residing in the Inland Empire. This remarkable exhibition will take place at the San Bernardino County Museum on Friday, July 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p m.

Recognizing the power of artistic expression, IEIYC has curated an exceptional art exhibition that provides immigrant and undocumented youth with the creative freedom to delve into their identities, foster a sense of community, and employ photography as a means of personal and political expression. The event promises to be a truly cultural experience, shedding light on the unique stories and experiences of BIPOC, first generation immigrant youth, while making art accessible and inclusive for those interested in the arts.

The exhibit will serve as a celebratory space, offering attendees an opportunity to rejuvenate, connect with loved ones and friends, and cultivate moments of learning and connection within the larger community. It will be a platform for immigrant youth living in the Inland Empire to share their experiences and perspectives.

To attend the event and support the ongoing efforts of IEIYC, tickets can be purchased at https://givebutter.com/UMAExhibit. While general admission is free, donations are being accepted an upgraded experience that includes unlimited appetizers and beverages and range from $15-$25 per person. Donations of any amount are also being accepted to support the organization’s programming, stipends for youth, wellness materials, and emergency mutual aid.

“We are honored to curate the UMA Photovoice Exhibit, providing a profound platform immigrant youth in the I.E., to share their powerful stories through the art of photography,” says Angel Fajardo, IEIYC Executive Director. “This event embodies the spirit of resilience, cultural expression, and community connection. We invite the community to witness the transformative narratives of these talented youth and stand alongside them in support.”

For more information about the Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective and its initiatives, please visit www.theieiyc.org or call (951) 800-3006.

REDLANDS, CA— The Old School R&B review singing group, The Bromatics, was in the house during the Sunday, June 11, radio broadcast of Empire Talks Back. They are headlining the music presentation at the San Bernardino Juneteenth event on Saturday, June 17 at San Bernardino Valley College.

The Juneteenth Committee Vice President, Ronecia Miller, discusses the other aspects of Saturday’s Juneteenth event. The broadcast began with a report by Jordon Culberson highlighting the Empire Wrestling Federation.

ETB is broadcast each Sunday Morning from 10:05 a.m. to 11 a.m. on KCAA 1050 AM and 106.5 FM. The podcast of the show is available on most platforms. Ask for Empire Talks Back on iHeart for audio only or KCAA-TV for video.

By Jordon Culberson

Having an opportunity to watch live sports in person such as Basketball, Football, and Baseball is cool, but seeing Professional Wrestling is even better.

You heard it here folks! There is professional wrestling in the Inland Empire, and it’s called the Empire Wrestling Federation, produced by Commissioners Frank Mott and Jesse Hernandez.

The two commissioners produced a wonderful and excellent 27th Anniversary Show at the Alosta Brewery Company in West Covina California on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

Now after that wonderful event, lucky for all of us in the empire, they will be producing two stupendous upcoming events.

The first event will be “Pro Wrestling Lucha Libre: Bad Guys Have All the Fun”, which will be located at the VFW (Veteran Foreign Wars) 8737 Post, 2018 Foothill Blvd, San Bernardino California, 92410 on Saturday June 17 at 7 p.m.

General Admission tickets are $10.00 for children 12 and under and $20.00 for ages 13 and up. It will be an outdoor event, great barbecue, and night for the family will enjoy.

Many wrestlers who will be present at the event will be EWF American Heavyweight Champion, Michael Bad Wolf who defending his championship against EWF World Tag Team Champion Tio Chulo, former EWF American Heavyweight Champion, El Vato Loco, Erick Rojas who will square off against a student from New Japan Pro Wrestling, the “Lone Ranger”, and lastly, we will see the “Double Wide and Dignified King” Trailer King face off against “Beef” David “Flex” McCallion in a Grudge match.

To end the night, there will also be a World Title match between the challenger, Allan Breeze and the World Champion the “Succulent Eye Candy” Richie Slade.

Now if you want to meet those wrestlers, but don’t have the time or money to make the event no worries!

Another event will be held on Wednesday June 28th, 2023, at 6 p.m. at the Riverside Christian Assembly, in Jurupa Valley, California titled, “Pro Wrestling Lucha Libre: Belltown Brawl”.

General Admission for the event is free entry along with providing the front desk with a valid
e-mail address, and the only thing to pay for is food, drinks, and merchandise.

So, what are you waiting for? Go to one of these amazing events and enjoy yourself!

 

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

Even before that national proclamation, Juneteenth had been recognized as a holiday in California.

California Black Media spoke with Ronald Preston Clark, a writer and educator in San Diego. He shared his perspective on the holiday and how, even though he grew up in a family connected to Black culture, he did not really appreciate the full significance of the Juneteenth until he was a student at Hampton University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Virginia.

“I didn’t start to look into celebrating it until being surrounded by the excellence at Hampton. As I’ve gotten older, and further into my teaching career, I have been more intentional with my celebration and understanding of Juneteenth. I am now sure to educate others on its significance,” he said.

Clark is not alone in his experience. For many Americans – including some Black Americans — Juneteenth was not celebrated in their families or taught in schools.  It wasn’t until activists and historians led grassroots movements for decades that the holiday became more widely recognized.

While Clark says he is happy to celebrate Juneteenth with his family and to see the holiday gain national recognition, he doesn’t want it to turn into a commercialized event like other cultural holidays.

“We should always remember that the reason for the holiday is that our ancestors were set free – two years after they should have already been free. And then the years that followed were still filled with violence, hatred and bigotry towards us.”

History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth marks the anniversary of June 19^th, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were notified by Union soldiers that they were free under the Emancipation Proclamation.

Two and a half years earlier, on December 31^st, 1862, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes across the country to celebrate what was known as “Freedom’s Eve.”

They were anticipating news that President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation that ended slavery in Confederate States had become official on January 1,1863.

However, not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation took effect in 1863, it could not be implemented in some places in the Deep South still under Confederate control.

As a result, in Texas, the westernmost Confederate state, enslaved people would not be free until approximately 2,000 Union troops led by Major Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston Bay on June 19, 1865. and announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state were free by executive decree.

Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation commemorating Juneteenth in California.

“This Juneteenth, I urge all Californians to reflect on the ongoing cause of freedom for Black Americans remembering that, though General Granger’s announcement in 1865 called for “absolute equality,” that vision was, and remains, far from complete.”

Here is a snapshot of some Juneteenth 2023 celebrations taking place around the state:

The California Black Women’s Collective is joining GirlTrek, a national Black women’s health movement, to celebrate Juneteenth with a walk in solidarity with others across the country.

The organization is encouraging women around the state to organize a local walk in their neighborhoods on June 17, wear blue and amplify their activities online with pin drops, a printable digital poster, and the hashtags #GirlTrek and #WelcomeWalks.

Los Angeles

LEIMERT PARK JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL (JUNE 19)

4395 Leimert Blvd., Los Angeles 90008

Monday, June 19 – Noon to 9 p.m.

The Leimert Park Juneteenth Festival will feature 300-plus Black-owned businesses, three main stages, two DJs stages, a spoken word stage and more.

You can find a complete list of Juneteenth events in the Los Angeles area here.

East Bay

JUNETEENTH-IN-BERKELEY

Alcatraz-Adeline Corridor

Sunday, June 18 – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Juneteenth-in-Berkeley, held annually in June on Father’s Day, is produced by Berkeley Juneteenth Association, Inc., a non-profit, serving the community since 1986. They rebranded as Berkeley Juneteenth Cultural Celebrations to pursue and sponsor more cultural events throughout the year.

You can find more Bay area Juneteenth events here.

Sacramento

SACRAMENTO JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL 2022

William Land Park

Friday, June 16 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, June 17 – 11 a.m.  to 6 p.m.

Sacramento’s 20th Annual Juneteenth Festival will kick off on Friday Night with a “Gospel Under the Stars Concert” featuring two stages of live entertainment. On Saturday, there will be a parade, talent show, Black history exhibits, food vendors and more.

You can find more Sacramento Juneteenth events here.

San Diego

Black Biz Flea Market: Juneteenth Celebration

WorldBeat Cultural Center, 2100 Park Boulevard, San Diego, United States

Sunday, June 18 – 12 noon to 5 p.m.

The Black Biz Flea Market Juneteenth Celebration! will feature 30-plus Black-owned businesses, great eats, music, shopping, giveaways and more.

You can find more San Diego Juneteenth events here.

Inland Empire

2023 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM

Civic Center Amphitheater, 14075 Frederick Street, Moreno Valley

Saturday, June 17 – 1 to 5 p.m.

The community is invited to celebrate an afternoon full of entertainment, children’s activities, food booths, retail vendors (jewelry, clothing, and art) and local artists.

Contra Costa

2023 LET FREEDOM RING East Contra Costa County JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Contra Costa Event Park 1201 W. 10^th Street, Antioch

Saturday and Sunday, June 17-19 12 Noon to 5 p.m.

This event will feature carnival rides, food, craft & arts, a job fair, community resources and live entertainment.