By Joe W. Bowers Jr   | California Black Media 

Mispronouncing Kamala Harris’s first name isn’t just a harmless mistake; it’s a reflection of a deeper issue that goes beyond simply placing emphasis on the wrong syllable.

Leadership is about showing respect, paying attention to detail, and engaging thoughtfully with the diverse communities that make up our country. When leaders fail in these areas, it raises questions about their judgement and ability to lead.

Harris, as the first female Vice President of the United States, carries a first name that is rooted in her Indian cultural heritage passed down from her mother, Shyamala Gopalan. Her name means “lotus flower,” and is pronounced “Comma-la.” So, when so-called leaders can’t be bothered to say her name correctly, it signals a disregard for the significance of that heritage, as well as a lack of commitment to understanding and representing all Americans. This neglect undermines the very essence of leadership, which is to respect and represent the people.

This issue of mispronouncing her name is not an isolated one. During the 2024 Republican National Convention, nearly half of the speakers who mentioned Harris’s first name mispronounced it. Former President Donald Trump, tech mogul Elon Musk, and several Republican leaders, including members of Congress and governors, repeatedly mispronounce her name. Bob Unanue, CEO of Goya Foods, even mocked her name by calling her  ‘Que-mala,’ which means ‘so bad’” in Spanish.

When influential people set this kind of example, it sends the wrong message—that details and respect for diversity don’t matter.

If Harris’s political opponents can’t take the time or make the effort to learn the correct pronunciation of her first name, it raises doubts about their ability to tackle more intricate and critical issues that demand attention to detail, empathy, and cultural awareness. In a nation as diverse as the United States, repeatedly mispronouncing the name of one of its highest-ranking officials undermines the core values of inclusivity and respect that are foundational to effective governance.

Mispronouncing a person’s name is often an attempt to characterize them as an outsider or “other,” a tactic that Trump frequently uses to diminish the individual’s identity and create a sense of alienation. This behavior goes beyond disrespect; it is calculated to deepen divisions and foster an “us versus them” mentality.

By refusing to correctly say a person’s name, Trump and others are showing a lack of respect for cultural differences, reinforcing the perception that they are arrogant, dismissive, and disconnected from the diverse society they aim to lead. Ironically, these actions make them appear to be ‘weird’ themselves.

Trump’s repeated mispronunciation of Harris’s name reflects a growing sense of desperation. As his poll numbers drop, his reliance on disrespectful tactics like this highlights an inability to focus on substantive issues. Instead of engaging with the real concerns of the American people, Trump’s behavior deviates from meaningful dialogue, revealing poor judgment that is unbefitting of a presidential candidate.

Since becoming a candidate for President, Harris has refrained from responding directly to Trump and others who mispronounce her name. However, during a 2020 interview with Trevor Noah on The Daily Show, she addressed the issue with grace and insight. Harris explained that a name is a precious gift from one’s family, rooted in tradition, love, and hope. She emphasized that respecting the significance of names honors those values, while mocking or mispronouncing them is childish and reflects a lack of maturity and respect.

“That the highest elected leaders should conduct themselves like they did when they were children on the playground, it speaks poorly of their appreciation for the responsibility of the role that they have,” Harris said to Noah. “And I think it’s a reflection of their values and their maturity.”

Harris added, “I don’t pay attention to the name-calling, Trevor. There’s some of us who have lived a lifetime of being called names. It is predictable, it is childish, and it will not distract me.”

Her response underscores the importance of respecting the cultural significance behind names, especially for those in leadership positions. By addressing the topic this way, Harris highlighted her commitment to dignity and respect, even in the face of those who choose to behave otherwise.

In the end, it’s not just about a name — it’s about what that name stands for and the respect it deserves. A true leader understands the importance of every detail, every nuance, and every person they serve. Anything less falls short of the standard of leadership that the American people deserve.

By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media??

During the California Assembly floor session on August 12, members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) joined their colleagues in the Legislature to approve statewide recognition of Black Girl Joy Day last week and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) week next month.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 226, introduced by Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) officially designated August 10 as Black Girl Joy Day in California.

“This day is not just a celebration, but a profound acknowledgment of the vibrant roles that Black girls play in enriching our state’s diverse tapestry,” said Wilson.

“Black girls in California embody resilience, creativity and potential despite facing systemic challenges from a young age, including higher rates of school discipline and exposure to violence. They continue to make significant contributions across various fields,” added Wilson.

The Assembly voted 75-0 in favor of recognizing Black Girl Joy Day in California.

During that same floor session, the Assembly passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 222 with a 76-0 vote.

ACR 222, introduced by Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), officially designated the fourth week of September as Historically Black Colleges and Universities week in California.

“For hundreds of years Blacks were not allowed to attend American institutions of higher learning – not because we weren’t smart enough, but because of racism and segregation. So, we created our own institutions of higher learning,” said Weber, representing her alma mater, Xavier University, in a white and gold letterman cardigan.

Weber noted that although HBCUs represent only 3% of institutions of higher learning in the country, they produce 24% of Black STEM professionals.

Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) spoke about his experiences as a proud parent of Morehouse and Hampton graduates.

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) shared her perspective as the daughter of a Prairie View A&M Graduate. Her mother relocated from Texas to Los California, where she was born.

“In September of 2023, President Biden proclaimed September 24th through 30th as national HBCU week, Weber continued. “In an effort to align with what has already been done on the federal level, I respectfully ask for your I-vote on ACR 222 to declare the fourth week of September as HBCU week.

By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media??

On August 13, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) elected Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) and Assemblymember Isaac G. Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) to serve as its next Chair and Vice Chair, respectively.

“The CLBC has a long-standing tradition of excellence in its ability to represent and advocate for the needs of Black Californians, a responsibility that I deeply care about,” Weber stated.

“As I begin my tenure as Chair, I am committed to ensuring that the CLBC upholds its exceptional legislative advocacy, strong partnerships, and exemplary programs as we focus on the major issues impacting our communities,” she continued.

In her new role as Chair, Weber replaces Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) and Bryan succeeds Vice Chair Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) who is termed out at the end of the current legislative session and announced that he is a candidate for Lt. Governor.

“I want to thank our immediate past leadership team for their unwavering commitment to lead during these past two years,” Wilson stated. “Together, we have been a powerful force, championing legislative policies and budget items with the purpose of enriching the lives of Black Californians. I look forward to working with our new leadership as we continue to work to uplift over two million Black residents living in California.”

Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) has been elected Treasurer and Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) will serve as Secretary.

The newly elected officers will assume their two-year terms in December.

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

Three reparations bills authored by Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) passed out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Aug. 15.

Senate Bill (SB) 1403, SB 1050, and SB 1331 are now on their way to the Assembly floor for a full vote. If approved, the bills would advance to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for his signature or veto.

“I want to thank the committee for seeing the importance of these measures,” Bradford said. “I think it speaks to the fact that reparations is an issue that still needs to be addressed. We still experience institutional racism and discrimination in this country.”

SB 1331 proposes creating an account in the state treasury to fund reparations policies approved by the Legislature and the Governor.

SB 1050 would offer compensation to Black Californians who are descendants of enslaved people who lost homes or had their land taken without fair compensation as a result of racially motivated misuse of eminent domain.

SB 1403 establishes the framework for establishing the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency (CAFAA), a state-level department that would oversee all reparations activities, including validating individuals’ status as a descendant of an enslaved person in the United States.

Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), Chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, said it was critical that the reparations bills moved out of the “suspense file,” a designation for bills estimated to cost over $150,000 to implement.

“We moved forward with all the reparations bills. I think this is obviously a huge issue not just for our state but our country,” Wicks said. “It’s about time we have real-direct public policy conversations about it. It was important to move them through the committees so that we can have that conversation.”

In its final 1,075-page report submitted to the legislature in June 2023, the California Reparations Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans made 115 recommendations to compensate African Americans for harms experienced as a result of slavery.

One of the recommendations is for the state to issue a formal apology to the descendants of people enslaved in the United States. Assembly Bill (AB) 3089, authored by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), would require the state to make that statement.

It passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee with a 5-0 vote and is the fourth reparations bill advanced by the Legislature. Senate minority leader Brian Jones (R-San Diego) and Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta), abstained from voting.

Chris Lodgson, a member of the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), a Sacramento-based reparations advocacy organization, attended the Assembly Appropriation Committee’s suspense file hearing.

“Our ancestors have been with us every step of the way,” Lodgson said. “But there is still more work to do. We must get the (current) bills off the floor in the next two weeks. Make no mistake about it, we would not have those opportunities for the next fights if we did not win today.”

Dawn Paige of Concerned Black Citizens, Inc., flew in from North Carolina to be present at State Capitol Annex Swing Space to witness the passage of the bills. She sat with members of CJEC and other reparations advocates.

Paige traced her lineage back to 1721 in Virginia and 1830 in South and North Carolina. She trains and educates organizers and communities on how to advocate effectively reparations policy at the state and federal levels.

Reflecting on California’s significant role in creating a reparations blueprint for the rest of the country, Paige told California Black Media (CBM), “I came to see history. We’ve been working so hard, so long on this, and fought so hard that it’s actually yielding results in our favor. We are winning. There is no question that North Carolina was a slave and Jim Crow state, but to have the state with the fifth largest economy in the world pushing these legislations through and ultimately funding them is a big stamp of approval.”

Paige added, “It says that this can actually be implemented and that we can take this template and fit it into other states. That’s what I’ll be pushing in my organizing circle.”

Bradford, who terms out of the Legislature in November after serving in the Assembly and Senate, hopes the bills and other reparations legislation pushed by the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) set the standards for other states.

This year, Newsom added $12 million to the 2024-2025 budget to support reparations legislation.

“This is not a handout. This is what was promised to us 163 years ago and it’s long overdue,” Bradford said. “I hope it sends a signal not only for California but for the rest of the nation that this is a priority. Not only is California watching. The nation is watching.”

California is transforming Medi-Cal to better support and meet the whole-person care needs of members experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.

Medi-Cal provides members with access to new and improved services to get well-rounded care that goes beyond the doctor’s office or hospital and addresses their physical and mental health, and also social drivers of one’s health such as housing.

Medi-Cal is opening the door to essential health care services for the most vulnerable populations, no matter where they live or seek care.

Enhanced Care Management

Enhanced Care Management is a new Medi-Cal benefit that assigns a dedicated Lead Care Manager, a personal guide who helps qualified Medi-Cal members navigate all medical, dental, social, and community services such as housing navigation, housing deposits, and more.

Enhanced Care Management takes a whole-person, interdisciplinary approach to care to address clinical and non-clinical needs of members with the most complex medical and social need and serves as a safety net of care coordination for high-risk groups, including, but not limited to, individuals experiencing homelessness.

“Our unhoused population has inadequate access to shelters and experiences a lack of food and care,” said Glenn Tsang, Policy Advisor for Homelessness and Housing for the California Department of Health Care Services. “These members tend to have extensive medical and mental health needs that are difficult to address in an unstable living environment. To help address their needs, the Enhanced Care Management benefit builds consistent connections to medical care, mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, and housing stabilization services.”

Addressing Health-Related Social Needs through Community Supports
Community Supports are services or care settings, in addition to those required under the California Medicaid State Plan, that Medi-Cal managed care plans may elect to offer. The goal of Community Supports is to provide services that address a member’s health-related social needs that may be exacerbating their health condition, such as housing instability. Among the 14 services available as Community Supports services, six are specifically focused on helping unhoused members.

Many of these services empower high-risk individuals and families to live healthier lives in less restrictive settings and avoid unnecessary emergency visits and inpatient nursing facility admissions. They include services that go beyond traditional care received in a doctor’s office and may include housing deposits, housing transition and navigation services, housing tenancy and sustaining services, short-term post-hospitalization, recuperative care, and day habilitation.

Street Medicine
Street medicine is a set of health and social services developed specifically to address the unique needs and circumstances of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, delivered directly to them in their own environment. The fundamental approach of street medicine is to engage people experiencing unsheltered homelessness exactly where they are and on their own terms to maximally reduce or eliminate barriers to care access and follow-through.

Medi-Cal Expansion
Starting on January 1, 2024, all eligible Californians qualify for full scope Medi-Cal coverage, regardless of immigration status.

This expansion allows even more Medi-Cal members to potentially qualify for Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports, among other services, to improve outcomes for California’s most vulnerable populations.

“By expanding Medi-Cal, we’re addressing the root causes of health disparities and providing equitable access to quality health care, leading to a healthy California for all,” said Tsang.

How Providers Support Members
Providers are vital in delivering Medi-Cal’s expanded services, ensuring the most vulnerable members receive the care they need. These providers include, but are not limited to, housing service providers, housing organizations, and other organizations that have an existing footprint consistent with Community Supports activities and in the communities they serve. Providers are essential in providing dedicated care management, ensuring seamless transitions and continuous support across various housing settings.

Street medicine providers also offer direct medical care to individuals on the streets, build trust by consistently providing compassionate services, and use comprehensive care management platforms for efficient coordination. Providers include Federally Qualified Health Centers, mobile medicine units, and many other organizations that provide care to unsheltered members living on the street.

They collaborate with community-based organizations and community support systems like schools, food banks, and housing agencies, and offer proactive support when patients transition through emergency departments, homelessness, or incarceration.

Encouragement to Seek Services
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or is at risk of homelessness, Medi-Cal’s expanded services offer vital support for members enrolled in a managed care plan to improve their health and well-being.

For more information, call the state’s Medi-Cal Managed Care Office of the Ombudsman at (888) 452-8609 or email MMCDOmbudsmanOffice@dhcs.ca.gov.

In San Bernardino County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:

*   Inland Empire Health Plan: 800-440-4347

*   Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

*   Molina HealthCare of California Partner Plan, Inc.: 888-665-4621

So, if you are at risk of or experiencing homelessness in San Bernardino County, your health and well-being matter. Medi-Cal’s expanded services are here to support you every step of the way.

Fox Businesss

Small business owners felt a little more optimistic about the economy last month, but a greater share said inflation is their biggest operating problem, according to National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) data.

The NFIB reported Tuesday its Small Business Optimism Index, which is compiled monthly through a survey of small businesses, rose 2.2 points in July to 93.7. That is the highest reading since Feb. 2022, but the 31st straight month below the 50-year average of 98.

Meanwhile, the percentage of small business owners that cited inflation as their top problem rose four points from June, to 25%.

“Despite this increase in optimism, the road ahead remains tough for the nation’s small business owners,” said NFIB chief economist Bill Dunkelberg.

“Cost pressures, especially labor costs, continue to plague small business operations, impacting their bottom line,” Dunkelberg continued. “Owners are heading towards unpredictable months ahead, not knowing how future economic conditions or government policies will impact them.”

The survey found fewer small businesses raised compensation for employees last month, with a seasonally-adjusted 33% reporting lifting pay, down five points from June to the lowest level since April 2021.

At the same time, the net percent of owners raising average selling prices fell five points from June to a seasonally adjusted net 22%, while the share that planned price hikes for July fell two points to 24%, the lowest reading since April.

By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, TN – Petty Officer 3rd Class Vanessa Garcia, a native of Hesperia, California, serves the U.S. Navy and is assigned to U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Garcia graduated from Hesperia High School in 2020.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hesperia.

“Growing up, I learned that one of the most important things in life is having good friendships,” said Garcia. “My closest friends live in Los Angeles; I’ve known them since middle school. I also made good friends when I was stationed at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia. Back home and everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve met some amazing people who are all very different and I’ve appreciated all of it because it shows me different aspects on life. These people have been there for me during my hardest times and have been a great support system to me. I want to be part of that support system for others.”

Garcia joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Garcia serves as a hospital corpsman.

“I joined the Navy to get a head start on life,” said Garcia. “I was looking for opportunities to learn new skills and wanted to be good at something. I wanted to be a cryptologic technician interpretive (CTI), which is a language analyst, but they didn’t have any billets available at the time. I knew I wanted a job that included helping people so my recruiter gave me the option of hospital corpsman.”

Garcia works in the emergency department at Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay and is training to become a corpsman assistant for sexual assault medical examinations.

“I like giving people the care and support they need,” said Garcia. “When I was a kid, I used to watch ‘Avatar: The Last Air Bender.’ The TV show’s main character brings peace and balance to the world and the spirit realm during a time of war. The characters had to work together to end the war and destruction. They demonstrated leadership, friendship, finding inner strength and showing positivity in the face of adversity. I wanted to emulate these qualities in my own life. I wanted to be part of a team.”

Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay provides health care to the U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay community, which consists of approximately 4,500 military members, federal employees, U.S. and foreign national contractors and their families. The hospital also operates the only overseas military home health care facility providing care to elderly special category residents who sought asylum on the installation during the Cuban Revolution.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Garcia serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Garcia has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is hard to define,” said Garcia. “I’ve learned so much in three years. Working in labor and delivery taught me about patience, working with different personalities and how to interact with patients while learning skills from the nurses. They gave me my first real experience in how to be a leader. I surprised myself and did more than I thought I was capable of, and it made me see that I’m a hard worker who can do hard things and see those things all the way through.”

Garcia is also proud of serving in the intensive care unit aboard USNS Comfort during Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian mission that saw Comfort complete mission stops in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti and Honduras.

During these mission stops, Continuing Promise medical teams focused on working alongside partner nation medical personnel to provide care on board and at land-based medical sites to increase medical readiness, strengthen partnerships and enhance the combined capabilities of the U.S. Navy and partner nations to respond to public health disasters and humanitarian crises.

Continuing Promise 2022 saw more than 13,000 patients, participated in more than 25 subject matter expert exchanges, conducted five humanitarian assistance and disaster relief workshops, shared in 18 Women, Peace and Security initiative events and partook in 11 community relations engagements.

“We visited South America, offering aid to every country we visited,” said Garcia. “We faced challenges because of the language barrier and didn’t have many translators so we had to learn phrases in Spanish to try to communicate. The great effort the medical team put toward helping people made a difference in countries that didn’t have much medical support. I felt proud to be part of that support.”

Garcia can take pride in serving America through military service.

“I get to be part of something greater by serving my country and the Navy,” said Garcia. “I get to be part of history.”

JOANN’s newest store in Rancho Cucamonga, California recently celebrated its Grand Opening weekend! The new, 35,000-square-foot store showcases the latest JOANN branding, broadest category assortment, and experience for customers – the team couldn’t be more thrilled to open the doors of creativity to this community.

Customers couldn’t wait to get inside and shop the new JOANN, and more than 125 waited patiently for the 9am official opening on Friday, 8/9. Those in attendance enjoyed special offers, gift cards, and swag for joining the celebration.

The Rancho JOANN location will be partnered with a local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and Kids in Need Foundation organization, who will enjoy monetary and product donations throughout the year.

Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Elijah Rodarte, a Hesperia, California native, uses night vision goggles to search for surface contacts from the bridge of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, July 25. Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 27 to August 1. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Holden was joined by Senator Bradford to host a reception sponsored by the Congressional Legislative Black Caucus to present a resolution honoring Michael “Coop” Cooper, a 12-year Los Angeles Laker and the only player in Lakers franchise history to win the NBA defensive player of the year award, following his recent induction into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame. Coop never forgot his hometown community of Pasadena where he was raised and is always willing to return and give back. His athletic achievements extend beyond his five NBA Championships and into coaching, mentorship, and philanthropy.

“As a former SDSU Aztec basketball was my first love, and so it gives me great pleasure to honor a player who has not only transformed the game on many levels but also served as a leader from the sidelines. Coop is well deserving of his many accolades and continues to serve as an example of sportsmanship, leadership, talent, and service. On behalf of the CLBC and the State Assembly, I congratulate him on this momumentus achievement!” said Assemblymember Holden.

Drafted by the Lakers in the 1978 NBA draft, Coop became an integral part of the legendary “Showtime” teams of the 1980s, during which time he contributed his defensive skills, playmaking abilities, and shooting prowess alongside future NBA hall-of-famers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and James Worthy as the Lakers won NBA championships in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988. After retiring as an NBA player in 1990 and playing a season in Italian professional basketball, Coop returned to the Lakers as Special Assistant to General Manager Jerry West for three years before joining the coaching staff in 1994. He then went on to serve as head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), earning WNBA Coach of the Year honors in 2000 and leading the team to its WNBA championship victories in 2001 and 2002.

Over the ensuing years, he has served as a head coach or assistant coach for various professional teams and several educational institutions, including the University of Southern California women’s basketball team, Chadwick School’s boys’ varsity basketball team, and Culver City High School’s basketball program, before being named assistant head coach for the men’s basketball team at California State. The reception took place Monday, August 5, 2024 at the California Museum.