By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

In November, former California Assemblymember Kevin McCarty was elected Mayor of Sacramento.

He was sworn into this new role on December 10.

Before becoming Mayor, McCarty represented the 6th Assembly District for 10 years. This district includes most of Sacramento and parts of Sacramento County.

During his time in the Assembly, McCarty authored over 90 measures that became law including the Universal Preschool Act, the American River Parkway Conservancy Act, Independent Investigations in Police Shootings, among others.

McCarty and his wife Leticia have twin daughters, Victoria and Barbara.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with McCarty as he concludes his term in the Legislature to reflect on his accomplishments this year as he enters his new role as Mayor.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

I had a bill that was an urgency measure that was signed in June. It creates a new class for high school students to learn about financial literacy; to learn about dollars and cents and what it means to be a young person today as far as credit cards, student debt, buying a house and all the things that

come that come with being an adult. I’m excited that my bill became law.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

Black Californians are certainly a part of my legislative agenda. My Assembly district was very similar to California, way less than 10% Black population. But the issue is that education and health care and housing and poverty loom large — how they impact Black Californians.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

We are in a downturn in our economy with our state budget. So, I wasn’t able to score some final victories on some of my top priorities like the middle-class scholarship to make college debt-free.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

There’s so much work to be done and this was my final year in the Legislature. So, looking at all of our successes and trying to be able to make a difference and help change people’s lives throughout California.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

It takes time. This work is not easy. Look at this firestorm we’re in right now about reparations and what we did and didn’t do. This work is not easy. If it was easy, we would have done it a long time ago.

But it’s our job to continue to fight, push forward and keep at it.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Patience.

You know, we want some of these reparations policies to happen now. So, it’s hard to be patient. We want to see change now and so we just have to keep plugging along.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

I won the race for Mayor here in my hometown, Sacramento.

So, I will continue work in public service, serving people and making a difference in people’s lives. Just a different vantage point being a Mayor versus an Assemblymember. But it’s always the same thing. It’s helping people, public service, making a difference, and remembering those who don’t always have government on their side.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

In 2012, Assemblymember Chris Holden was first elected to the California State Assembly representing the 41st District in the San Gabriel Valley.

He was re-elected to that position for the following four terms.

While in office, Holden championed efforts to improve education outcomes for students and advocated for social and racial justice. Legislation he wrote or sponsored also focused on, innovation in transportation, protecting developmental disability service providers and improving public health, more broadly.

Holden, a graduate of San Diego State University, lives in Pasadena with his wife, Melanie, and children Nicholas, Alexander, Austin, Mariah and Noah. Holden is the son of former State Senator and LA City Councilmember Nate Holden.

Before he closed out his final year of service in the Assembly, California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Holden. He reflected on his accomplishments this year and his goals moving forward.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

I’m really blessed to be at a particular point right now where I can say that a project I’ve been working on for well over 36 years — the light rail system — made its way into Pasadena from downtown LA. Now it’s making its way through the San Gabriel Valley to Pomona.

We didn’t have the money to complete it through from Pomona through Claremont to Montclair. We were able to get the money in this year’s budget. I’m glad that I was able to be a part of the Legislature at that time, to be able to do the hard work to put those resources into place, along with my colleagues.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

I’m the first African American to be elected to the legislature from the San Gabriel Valley, representing the 41st Assembly District, where African Americans make up about 7% of the population.

For me to have an opportunity to represent a multi-ethnic and diverse district is exciting, but to be able to bring a voice for a lived African American experience from the San Gabriel valley is very important.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

I still am frustrated that we aren’t seeing the kind of progress on affordable housing to allow underrepresented communities to be able to afford to live in the community that they grew up in. California has become so expensive and finding the techniques and the ability to create affordability and more housing is a struggle.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

There has been a lot of movement around reparations through community engagement. Dr. Shirley Weber put forth the bill to establish a reparations task force and that task force met for a number of years. Two members of our caucus served on it, Sen. Steven Bradford and Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer. A thousand-page report and a hundred recommendations or more came out of that. And now we’re in the process of finding ways to implement some of those recommendations. It’s going to be a longer process, but I’m hopeful because California, once again, is on the front end of taking on a really challenging issue.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

Always be mindful how quickly the winds can change. We’ve gone from 10 years of having budget surpluses to this year having a $45 billion deficit. Being able to go from having resources that you can put in a budget to address some of the community’s needs to this year — not having the ability to do as much of that. We must always be mindful of the fact that in public policy, you have to be mindful of how to prepare for times that may not be as fruitful.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Inequality.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

Well, I won’t be in the legislature in 2025, but I love public policy. I’d like to find myself in a position where I’m continuing to have an influence on how public policy is shaped and formed. Term limits have a way of weeding out a lot of institutional knowledge. And so, I’d like to be in a position where priorities I stood for don’t get lost in the public discourse in terms of helping to shape some of the things. I would have loved to have been able to continue on as a legislator, if I had more time on the board. But I’m just looking forward to being a vital voice going into next year in a different role. It will also be an opportunity to lay a foundation to take another run, possibly for a seat on the LA County Board of Supervisors in 2028.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Blessed, to see a New Year– 2025.

Oh, bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits. [Psalm 103:1-5]. [2 Corinthians 9:15].

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is [his] faithfulness. [Lamentations 3:22-23].

Lord, I just wanna praise you forever and ever for all you’ve done for me Lord. Blessings and glory and honor they all belong to you. Thank you, Jesus, for blessing me. [ I Just Want to Praise You – Maurette Brown Clark].

I tell you; Grace gives us a lot to celebrate! It is a gift from God! It changes everything! Grace makes all things new! So, as you step into this New Year, know that God is inviting you to experience His renewal. Release the burdens of the past and walk forward with hope, knowing that His plans are good, and His mercies are new every morning. Let this year be one of transformation, renewal, and abundant faith in the God who makes all things new. Receive the new things He wants to do in your life this year. For as [Ecclesiastes 3:1] says: To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.

The old year ends, a new begins with pages clean and new; and what is written on each page will now depend on you. You can’t relive the year that’s past, erasing every wrong; For once a year – or day – is spent, it is forever gone. But don’t give up in dark despair if you have failed some test; Seek God’s forgiveness and resolve henceforth to do your best. Resolve each precious day to do things good and kind and pure; though days and years may pass away, these things shall still endure. You know not where your path may lead nor what’s beyond the hill. But know that God walks at your side, if you will do His will. All things are possible with God, though days be bright or dim; so, do your best and know that you can leave the rest to Him. [Author Unknown].

Give this whole year to God, let God set the agenda, let God decide what you need to do and when to do it, where you need to be, who you need to talk to, and what to say. For the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. [Psalm 37:23]. For Jesus declares in [Jeremiah 29:11] – I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. [Psalms 32:8]. Commit your way to Me; trust Me and I will do this. [Psalm 37:5; Proverbs 16:3; Proverbs 16:9; Matthew 6:33]. Also, he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” [Revelation 21:5].

O Lord, the voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude. All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee. [Andrae Crouch – To God Be The Glory].

Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!  The chance to wake up to a new day, a new year.

Thank you, Lord, for your love, grace, and mercy. Into Your hands, O Lord, I commit this New Year to you. I surrender all to you Lord, my plans, dreams, possessions, relationships, everything, even my life itself. [Matthew 6:24-25]. I surrender it all to your plans and purposes. [Proverbs 16:3]. Total surrender Lord, letting go of my wants, rights, and expectations and fully embracing Your perfect plan for my life. Laying it all down at the feet of the One who gave it all for me. Knowing that your plans for my life are much better than anything I could come up with myself. [Isaiah 55: 9]. Father, not my will, but Yours be done. [Luke 22:42].

I give myself away. Here I am, here I stand Lord, my life is in your hands Lord, I’m longing to see Your desires revealed in me. I give myself away. Take my heart, take my life as a living sacrifice. All my dreams, all my plans Lord, I place them in your hands. [I Give Myself Away – William McDowell Lyrics].

May the Lord bless?you and keep you, make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. [Numbers 6:24-26].

Happy New Year!

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

Former California Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer represented the 57^th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Exposition Park, South Los Angeles, and downtown Los Angeles, including Skid Row.

Elected to the State Legislature in 2012, Jones-Sawyer served for 14 years, earning a reputation for being a progressive reformer and champion of second chances.

Jones-Sawyer focused on reforming judicial, criminal justice, and police policies to ensure greater public safety and equal treatment under the law. His P.E.A.C.E. Act (AB 89) transformed the recruiting process for law enforcement by raising the age limit to 21 and introducing new college curriculum requirements for cadets.

He also worked to improve living standards for socially and economically disadvantaged communities.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Jones-Sawyer as he concluded his term. He reflected on his accomplishments this year and shared his goals moving forward.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

The things we did on reparations because it is the beginning of reversing the river of racism that’s been permeating our community. And if we’re successful at over 100 recommendations, we will have generational success that will go well beyond what people are expecting now and into the lives of your children, your grandchildren, your great-great-grandchildren, and so forth. I think the first step is the apology — the letter that formally says that California is extremely sorry for what they did and how they were complicit in perpetuating a lot of the same policies and procedures that were perpetrated against African Americans in slave states, even though we were officially not a slave state, we still apprehended escaped slaves.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

Since I first got to the Assembly, I’ve always worked on public safety issues. And this year it’s really been the fruition of all that I worked on. When I got elected, I told my staff: before I leave the Assembly, marijuana would be legal, and we would close a prison. Right now, we’re closing three prisons. And as you know, I worked on making sure that cannabis was legal here in California, because it was being used to lock up African Americans.

We had 136,000 brothers and sisters locked up in our prison system. That number is now down to 96,000.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

This thing called fear. Fear is probably the most powerful emotion that’s out there. And so there are people who would like to have us go back to those days of three strikes, go back to the days where punishment was more important than rehabilitation, go back to the days where we didn’t have second chances. And a lot of this. It’s because of fear.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

The number of people who have the courage of their convictions. The courage to stand up against all of these individuals who want to turn us back.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

Stay true to who you really are. Don’t try to be someone else to appease others and do what other people want you to do even though that is not where your heart is, where your soul is, or who you really are. Not only does that create stress, not only does that create problems for you, you lose your soul.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Complacency.

We’ve got to get out and vote like our lives depended on it – vote like, people who fought for us to vote for the first time, we got to look at it like it’s not a right and a privilege, but it’s our legacy, our heritage.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

I have legislative and administrative expertise, which I think could be helpful for some organizations, some governmental agency. I’m also in the doctoral program at USC. And so, I think Dr. Jones-Sawyer really would like to use all his skill sets for African Americans, and not have to worry about the confines of being an elected official and really be able to do things that I couldn’t do.

NATIONWIDE — Actor Geoffrey Owens, known for The Cosby Show, recently opened up about the ongoing challenges he faces as a working actor, despite receiving support and landing new roles. Owens gained media attention in 2018 after photos of him working at Trader Joe’s went viral.

In a recent interview on V-103 Atlanta’s Big Tigger Morning Show, Owens shared, “Even today, right now, as we speak, I still struggle to make a living. I struggle every day to make my ends meet.”

Despite being seen in popular shows like CBS’s Poppa’s House and films like Mr. Santa, Owens said that people often misunderstand how actors earn a living.

“People have a false impression of what the average what I call ‘middle-class actor’ makes and their ability to make a living in the industry,” he said.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average hourly wage for actors is $41, with a median of $20, according to Today.

After his Trader Joe’s photos went viral, Owens had to quit the job due to privacy concerns. He recalled, “For two weeks or more, I was like one of the most famous people in the world. Everywhere I went, people recognized me.”

This newfound fame led to new opportunities, including a role in Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots and appearances in shows like Power Book II: Ghost and Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Owens also received support from celebrities, including a $25,000 gift from Nicki Minaj, which he chose to donate at the time.

Despite these opportunities, Owens emphasized the continuing challenge of sustaining a career in acting. He remains grateful for the support and opportunities that have come his way.

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

Shay Franco-Clausen is Political Director for Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization.

A resident of the Bay Area, Franco-Clausen is an award-winning public advocate, speaker, political strategist and former elected official. She has contributed her thought leadership to drafting seventeen pieces of legislation in California. Notable among these accomplishments is her role in extending the statute of limitations for felony domestic violence survivors, advocating for the rights of foster youth, preserving endangered open spaces, and championing the restoration of voting rights for individuals on parole.

Shay has spent the last 14 years serving on many local, county and state boards, political action committees and commissions, centered on criminal justice, LGBTQ and reproductive rights, gender-based violence and environmental protections.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Franco-Clausen about her successes, frustrations and future plans heading into 2025.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

In the role that I sit in as the political director for Equality California, we endorsed 216 candidates. I think the one achievement after this election that I’m proud of is that we overturned Prop 8 to protect same-sex marriages here because they’re about to attack our rights on the federal level, come 2025.

I’m glad at least we changed our California constitution to reflect and protect my marriage.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

I contribute through my lived experience. I may have achieved a lot, but I come from those same communities that are marginalized, East Oakland, East San Jose, Watts. It gives me a different perspective. I am a formerly incarcerated youth who was in foster care. I think I contribute that bit of understanding, and I operate from an equity lens. I’m willing to push people to make them recognize that hey, you cannot forget about Black people. We are the most marginalized.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

What frustrates me is our inability to recognize that we forget people. I was tapped to work on the Harris campaign from Equality California. And through that, being at that table, I was frustrated that they weren’t listening to Americans and not looking at the data.

The reason Trump won is because he had consistent messaging, and we didn’t debunk it. I think I’m more frustrated that we don’t fully listen to people all the time when they’re critiquing us.

So, I’m frustrated that people at the top don’t always know what’s happening to people at the bottom and their messaging doesn’t reflect our issues.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

All those people that came out to support Kamala Harris. I was really proud that people came out. I was pretty proud that my son voted for the first time for a Black woman for President.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

Be fearless. Sometimes I second-guess myself. I push back, but I could push more because I’m qualified. I have the education, I have the experience, and I know what I’m talking about in all the rooms that I go in. And I must be confident in that.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Prioritization.

We’re still not seen as a priority, but everyone likes to add us to their talking points. Even though we have Black people in office, it doesn’t matter if we are not part of the budget. A budget is a statement of our values. If we’re not a part of the budget, but we’re a part of the talking points, there’s something missing.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

Writing a book. I think it’s important for us to tell our stories, not let other people tell them. And as I look forward to all the things that I’ve achieved, knowing where I came from, I think it’s important and powerful to tell those stories so other people can see themselves in not only the pain, but the power.

I am also kicking off my campaign for Hayward City Council.

NATIONWIDE — Richard Parsons, the former CEO of Time Warner and Chairman of Citigroup, has died at the age of 76 at his Manhattan home, following a long battle with multiple myeloma. Parsons was a highly respected African American business leader known for guiding major companies through turbulent times.

“Dick was the leader to whom other leaders turned for advice and a steady, sure set of hands during their most consequential moments,” Lazard said in a statement, according to CBS News.

Throughout his career, Parsons held significant roles. At Time Warner, he stabilized the company and restored its reputation after its troubled merger with AOL. As Citigroup’s chairman in 2009, he helped the bank recover from the subprime mortgage crisis, steering it back to profitability.

Parsons, a Brooklyn native, began college at 16 and later earned a law degree. He played basketball at the University of Hawaii and worked for political leaders like Nelson Rockefeller and Gerald Ford.

In 2014, Parsons briefly served as interim CEO of the Los Angeles Clippers. He also held board positions at Estée Lauder, the Smithsonian, and the Apollo Theater. Beyond his corporate achievements, Parsons, who is a passionate jazz enthusiast, co-owned a Harlem jazz club and supported cultural institutions throughout his life.

“Dick Parsons was a brilliant and transformational leader and a giant of the media industry who led with integrity and never shied away from a challenge,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said.

Parsons was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015 and had to reduce his work commitments in recent years due to health complications. Parsons retired from several high-profile roles, including his positions at Lazard and Estée Lauder, in December 2023.

Parsons is survived by his wife, Laura, and their family.

Ubuntu Project Spotlights Artistic Expression as a Pathway to Community Healing

This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.

VICTORVILLE, CA – On Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 1 PM to 4 PM, the Cultural Arts Center of the High Desert will come alive with the creativity and talent of High Desert youth at the 2025 Youth Art Collective Showcase. This free event, organized by the Ubuntu Project, aims to celebrate the power of artistic expression in fostering community healing, resilience, and unity.

The showcase will feature a diverse array of artistic mediums, including music, painting, drawing, fashion, and more. By centering the voices and talents of youth, the event seeks to inspire meaningful dialogue and promote healing through shared cultural experiences.

“We are excited to provide a platform for our youth to express themselves and connect with their community,” says Nichole Williams-Artry, Program Coordinator for the Ubuntu Project. “This showcase is about celebrating the spirit of ‘I Am Because We Are,’ where we recognize our shared humanity and collective strength.”

The Ubuntu Project, funded by the California Department of Social Services, is a Stop the Hate grantee program committed to aiding victims and families affected by hate crimes. Through healing circles, art initiatives, and leadership development, the project works to promote resilience and social-emotional wellness in the High Desert’s African American community.

This historic initiative, named after the African proverb “I am because we are,” represents the first state allocation of funding dedicated to addressing hate and its consequences.

The event is free to attend with RSVP and welcomes families, community members, and art enthusiasts. Youth artists under 18 who attend school in the High Desert are encouraged to submit their art for consideration, provided it aligns with content guidelines.

How to Participate:

• As a Service Recipient: Youth can submit their art or participate in workshops leading up to the event.
• As a Volunteer: Community members can support the event by assisting with logistics, mentoring youth, or helping with outreach efforts.

For more information, submissions, or to RSVP, contact Nichole Williams-Artry at 760-229-6175 or email NWilliams-Artry@healthcollaborative.org. Follow the Ubuntu Project on Instagram and Facebook @Ubuntuprojectchc for updates and details.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Grammy Award winning singer and record label executive, Jay King, was elected CEO/President of the California Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) in June of 2019.

The CBCC is the largest African American non-profit business organization, representing thousands of small and emerging businesses, affiliates and chambers of commerce throughout California.

King is also a member of the popular 1980s R&B group Club Nouveau. In his role as an artist and activist, he has stood up for issues affecting underrepresented Californians for over three decades.

As the President of the CBCC, King says he is determined to put his mark on developing and expanding the capacity of African American businessmen and women.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with King recently. He reflected on the Chamber’s accomplishments, disappointments, lessons learned this year and goals moving forward.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

Making the voice of micro and mini-micro businesses loud, forcing policymakers and other decision makers across the state to start paying attention to them. With legislation in place now — AB 1574 and AB 2019 – that mandates that the state and agencies affiliated with the state extend opportunities to micro and mini business owners and give them a chance to participate in government contracting in a real way.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

I really want to contribute to the world and the state of Black businesses because of the systemic inequities in the past.

Small business, micro businesses and mini businesses are too often overlooked.

I think it would be egotistical to believe that I make any significant impact on my own. Whether it’ s the Asian Chamber, Hispanic Chamber and other organizations that are fighting the same fight. I think it’ s a collective, so I’ m proud to be part of the collective.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

We say we want to give access to capital to small businesses, and yet we continue to create barriers that deny them access to capital.

And even if we get them access to capital, we don’ t create pathways for that success — whether it’ s through education or resources, or through language – providing support in a language that they understand because, maybe, they’ re from another country Or, we don’t even provide cultural-specific resources for people who are from this country.

We ignore and negate the systemic racism, bigotry, prejudice, and bias that African American and other ethnic businesspeople and communities have experienced.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

Watching some of the small business owners that we worked with — these micro businesses — and seeing the potential and the power that is in front of us. If we equip them the right way, if we train them the right way, if we develop them the right way, they can not only flourish, but they can scale and start hiring people in their communities.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

We have to fight for Black businessowners, but they also have to be prepared. Just because we want to push them through, because we want them to have a contract, we have to be very careful about who we get in the game, and make sure that they’ re ready. Because if they’ re not, it affects us all down the line.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Self-belief. I think we have been conditioned on victimization and victimhood. We think that if we don’ t get the help we need that we will falter.

We must have real belief that we have made it this far despite every barrier, every obstacle, every disillusionment that has ever come our way. And we are still standing.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

I want to change the trajectory of micro and mini business owners.