SACRAMENTO –  Recently, Senate Republican Leader Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) released the following statement after Legislative Democrats passed the primary 2022-2023 Budget Bill:

“With an almost $100 billion surplus, rising gas prices, and skyrocketing inflation, the best relief Legislative Democrats came up with is a $200 refund that gets to you months down the road. That’s $16.66 per month, which for the record, won’t even cover your gas taxes paid this year,” said Leader Wilk.

“The White House is seriously weighing a federal gas tax holiday. We all know the quickest way to help Californians is by suspending the gas tax, but instead we are stuck with the supermajority’s months-long squabble and broken promises.”

This budget, contrary to today’s rhetoric, is not the state’s final spending plan but merely a placeholder to meet the constitutional deadline of June 15 for passage of the state’s budget. It lacks details on many critical spending proposals and does not reflect negotiations with Governor Newsom. Senate Republicans voted against the fake, placeholder budget.

According to a recent Cal Tax Foundation report, despite a massive projected surplus of $97.5 billion this year, legislative Democrats have no shame and have introduced $194 billion in new legislation and fees. Read the CalTax report here.

Last month, Senate Republicans delivered a specific list of budget priorities and outlined their full budget priorities to address affordability and homelessness. Click here to read the full budget request letter.

–FULL Gas Tax Holiday – The state should immediately suspend the gas tax to reduce the cost of fuel for families suffering from record-high prices. The revenues should be backfilled by the General Fund so that transportation projects will not be impacted.

–Lower Costs for Renters – To help offset rising rental costs, California should increase the renter’s tax credit to $1,000 for spouses filing joint returns, heads of households, and surviving spouses. It should also include a $500 tax credit for other individuals to provide temporary assistance for one of California’s most significant problems.

–California Student Tax Credit – To assist students with the rising costs of housing, transportation, or other school expenses, California should offer up to several thousand dollars in student tax credits per year for eligible students.

–Address Mental Health and Substance Abuse Needs – The state should invest $10 billion to build the facilities needed to address the related crises of mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness.

–Invest in Water Storage – The state must invest the $2.6 billion necessary to fully fund the already voter-approved Sites Reservoir that will provide water storage for 1.5 million homes per year.

–Prepare for Wildfires – The state needs to remove the red tape and roadblocks stalling wildfire prevention and treatment projects.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

On June 8, community leaders, public health advocates and racial justice groups convened for a virtual press event to urge Gov. Gavin Newsom to support the Health Equity and Racial Justice Fund (HERJ Fund).

The initiative supports community-based organizations addressing the underlying social, environmental and economic factors that limit people’s opportunities to be healthy — such as poverty, violence and trauma, environmental hazards, and access to affordable housing and healthy food. Health advocates would also address longstanding California problems related to health equity and racial justice problems.

The fund cleared a significant hurdle last week when the State Legislature included $75 million in their joint budget proposal. This means both the Assembly and Senate support the HERJ Fund and they will go into negotiations with the governor to seek his support to approve it.

“Our state boasts a staggering $97 billion budget surplus. If not now, when? Given the devastating impact of racism on the health and well-being of Californians of color it’s a travesty of the highest order that racial justice isn’t even mentioned in the Governor’s budget proposal,” said Ron Coleman, Managing Director of the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network.

Wednesday’s virtual community meeting and press event capped off a series of rallies held by supporters in cities across the state calling on Gov. Newsom to make room in his budget for the HERJ Fund.

Coleman facilitated the online event featuring representatives from service organizations speaking about their support for the fund and presenting plans for how the money would be used to support their shared mission of providing services to minority and underserved communities in California.
Jenedra Sykes, Partner at Arboreta Group, spoke about inequalities that exist in funding for smaller grassroots nonprofits and how traditionally larger, White-led nonprofits use state funds to subcontract with grassroots nonprofits to provide services to communities of color at lower costs.
“The faith-based non-profits on the ground have the relationships, the access to those who are most vulnerable and marginalized among us who disproportionately have poorer health outcomes,” said Sykes. “This bill also evens the playing field a bit. Instead of going through the middleman of the established larger non-profits, funding will go directly to the people who are doing the work. The passion, the heart, the skills, the talents are there. It’s about the resources to fund these talents”

Coleman gave attendees an update on the status of the HERJ Fund’s path to inclusion in the state budget.

Now that the State Legislature has included the fund in their spending proposal for Fiscal Year ’22-23 (it was not included in Newsom’s “May Revise”), it must survive negotiations with the governor’s office before the June 15 deadline to finalize the budget.

A final budget needs to be in place by June 30, the last day for the governor to approve.

HERJ Fund supporters remain hopeful that funding for their program will be included in the final budget.
In the past, reservations have come from the Governor’s office supporting the fund came from questions around oversight, accountability and outcomes would look like. Updated mechanisms were added to the HERJ Fund’s proposal to alleviate those concerns and supporters of the fund believe that Governor Newsom is out of excuses.
“Our best shot at getting the HERJ Fund in the budget is now. We are hoping that all of you will keep the pressure on the Governor to ensure that this becomes a reality,” Coleman said. “If he does care about the intersections of health equity and racial justice then we will see funding.”
Attendees were encouraged to contact the Governor’s office and the Legislature to keep the pressure on them to include the fund. You can visit herjfund.org to learn more about the proposal and the effort to include it in the state budget.

Nadia Kean-Ayub, Executive Director of Rainbow Spaces, shared details about the valuable events and services community-based non-profits provide. She said there is no shortage of families in need who want to participate in their organizations’ programs but, due to limited funding for transportation, many people never access services meant to help them.
“This tells me that when things are created in our communities, they are not making the impact we need in our Black, Brown and API communities,” Kean-Ayub said. I will continue to fight. To really make this grow, we need the state to understand that the true impact comes from the community and the people who are living these issues and who know how to help them.”

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Black women running for political office on every level across the state of California showed up strong during the state’s June 7 primary election. They won the minds and the hearts of diverse groups of Californians and drew the numbers they needed to secure spots on the November general election ballot.

The results, some political organizers say, signal that Black women are fully engaged in California’s political process, and they are primed to succeed against stiff competition ahead.

“The June 7 primary election was another demonstration of the consistency of Black Women in the political process,” said Kellie Todd, founding convener of the Black Women’s Collective (BWC), an organization of Black women leaders and advocates working in politics, business, entertainment, health care and other professions across the state.

“And this time we didn’t just show up to cast our votes, we were on the ballot at every level, in diverse communities throughout that state,” Griffin pointed out.

After 168,338 mail-in ballots were counted after June 7, U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA-37) closed the gap against her better-funded, billionaire opponent Rick Caruso in the Los Angeles mayor’s race, according to results released June 10 by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.

Caruso leads with 155,929 votes (40.5%) to Bass’s 149,104 (38.8%), according to the latest vote count released June 11 by Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. More than 500,000 votes remain uncounted, and ballots postmarked by election day will be accepted through June 14.

In statewide races, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber has 2,631,686 votes (59.2%) so far. She will face Republican Rob Bernosky in the general election in November. As of June 12, Bernosky is currently in a distant second place behind Weber with 848,373 votes (19.1%).

Malia Cohen, a current member of the State Board of Equalization, has won 21.3% of votes (973,549) in the race for State Controller, enough to land her in second place and secure a place on the ballot in the November General Election.

Cohen will face Lanhee Chen, the only Republican in a six-person race to replace California Controller Betty Yee. Chen leads the race in the primary election with 38.8% of counted votes (1,534,620).

Black Californians represented 26.9% of all candidates on the June 7 primary ballots running for U.S. House seats, a significant showing in a state where there are 2.6 million African Americans.

For the 37th Congressional District seat, currently held by Bass, former Los Angeles City Councilmember Jan Perry came in second place with 10,520 votes (18.6%). State Sen. Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles) led the field of seven candidates with 24,354 (43.0%), according to election results released by the Secretary of State’s office on June 11.

U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-13) has secured a comfortable lead in her reelection bid. She is ahead with 73,038 votes (86.3%) to Republican challenger Stephen Slauson’s 5,272 (6.2%). Lee and Slauson are likely to move on to the general election.

Republican Ronda Kennedy, a civil rights attorney running to represent the 30th Congressional District 30 (Burbank), is currently in third place (9,290) behind Democrat G “Maebe A. Girl” Pudlo (10,153). Either Kennedy or Pudlo will face leader Adam Schiff (D-San Diego) in November, Schiff has a commanding lead with 60,658 votes, according to the SOS office.

In the race to represent the 43rd Congressional District, longtime incumbent Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) leads Republican Omar Navarro by a wide margin of 33,801 votes to 5,949.

Black Republican Tamika Hamilton could face incumbent Ami Bera (D-Elk Grove) for the District 6 congressional seat in Sacramento and Yolo counties.

Two months after winning the special election for the 11th District Assembly seat, Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) came out ahead in the primary with 64.9% (48,657 votes). She leads Independent challenger Jenny Lailani Callison, who has 35.1% of votes counted so far (26,349).

“We proved that Black Women candidates can be competitive and can also win even without large financial backing from special interests,” Todd said. “This is just the beginning as we continue to build our political power and ensure we have a strong cohort of elected officials ready to serve.”

In another state race involving a Black woman, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton declared victory in the race for the county’s chief law enforcement officer.

In State Assembly races, Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) is positioned to retain her seat representing the 79th District with 63.9% (30,005 votes). In the 18th Assembly District in Oakland, Assemblymember Mia Bonta, the only candidate on the ballot, won 100 % of the vote (36,226).

In the Assembly special election race to fill the Assembly District 62 seat that opened when Autumn Burke (D) resigned earlier this year, Tina Simone McKinnor (D), is in the lead with 51.6% (18,528) of the vote. She is ahead of her opponent Robert Pullen-Miles who has 48.4% of the vote (17,374 votes). In the primary race for the Assembly 61st District seat McKinnor has 30.1% of the vote (11,502 votes) and trails in second place behind Pullen-Miles who has 38.2% of the vote (14,600).

In the State Senate race for the 28th District, two Black women are leading in the primary to succeed Sen. Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles). With 40.9% of the vote (33,687 votes), Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D) is ahead of Cheryl C. Turner (D), who is in second place with 31.0% (25,508 Votes).

Becton is currently winning her reelection campaign with a substantial lead of 56.2% (93, 909 votes) to her challenger Mary Knox’sv 43.7% (73,100 votes). Knox is a prosecutor who works in her office.

Becton took office as District Attorney in 2017, the first woman and first African American to hold the position in the County’s 167-year history. Becton is currently the only African American District Attorney in California.

Becton thanked Knox for her years of service and emphasized the need to keep fighting for smart reforms that make all Californians safer.

“The status quo has decimated entire communities, separated families, and relegated generations of Black and Brown communities as second-class citizens,” Becton said in a June 8 statement. “That is why we will continue working to reduce racial disparities in our systems. We also must continue to hold anyone who harms our communities accountable – even if they are in elected office or wear a badge – because that is what real safety demands.”

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

The COVID pandemic intensified California’s housing affordability problem and forced the state to take urgent steps to secure emergency shelter for its unhoused population. Even in the wake of the global health crisis, the state is still reeling, facing increasing housing instability and a homelessness crisis that is enduring and more-and-more complex.

Approximately 160,000 Californians are unsheltered as affordable housing for so many continues to be difficult to come by.

This year, lawmakers introduced a number of bills to give unhoused Californians a safe and stable place to live.

SB 1335

Senate Bill (SB) 1335, authored by State Sen. Susan Eggman (D-Stockton), would disallow “housing-related discrimination” against individuals based on their credit history if they receive government housing subsidies.

SB 1335 includes people applying for a rental accommodation where there is a federal, state or local subsidy.

“Individuals using housing subsidies go into the housing market with a credit history and its stereotype attached to their applications,” Jacqueline Ramirez, Policy Associate with Housing California stated in a letter of support for the bill.

“However, credit scores are an unnecessary tool due to the reliability of payment for the voucher program. As a result, despite having most of the rent covered by the government, those applying for housing subsidies face rejections based on credit histories,” Ramirez continued.

On June 2, SB 1335 was referred to the Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development. It is still being reviewed.

SB 1338

Senate Bill (SB) 1338, authored by State Sen. Tom Umberg (D-Orange County) and Eggman, establishes Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Courts, a program that provides individuals suffering from severe mental illness and going through the criminal trial process with court-ordered treatment in lieu of incarceration.

“The status quo on homelessness is not working. It’s time for a paradigm shift,” Umberg tweeted.

Disability Rights California (DRC), an advocacy organization, opposes the bill. DRC feels the bill does not go far enough to secure housing for mentally ill individuals who go through CARE Court.

“It does not guarantee housing as a solution to address homelessness; Evidence shows that adequately resourced intensive voluntary outpatient treatment is more effective than court-ordered treatment; It will perpetuate institutional racism and worsen health disparities,” their opposition letter reads.

According to DRC, there are alternative solutions to this aspect of the housing crisis.

“CARE Court is not the appropriate tool for providing a path to wellness for Californians living with mental health disabilities who face homelessness, incarceration, hospitalization, conservatorship, and premature death,” the letter states. “Instead, California should invest in evidence-based practices that are proven to work and that will actually empower people living with mental health disabilities on their paths to recovery and allow them to retain full autonomy over their lives without the intrusion of a court.”

SB 1338 is being reviewed by the Assembly Committees on Judiciary and Health.

SB 903

Senate Bill (SB) 903 would require the California Prison Oversight Board to examine the California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation’s (CDCR) efforts to address the housing needs of persons recently released from custody, including those identified with serious mental health needs.

“If we are serious about getting more Californians off the street, we can no longer ignore the ‘prison-to-street’ pipeline,” State Senate Majority Leader Emeritus Robert Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys), SB 903’s author, said.

“In California, leaving incarceration is a ticket to homelessness and recidivism. With prison populations continuing to shrink due to the pandemic and recent reforms, we must do all we can as a state to help those leaving become productive, law-abiding members of society. Our justice system depends on it,” he continued.

According to a study from California Health Policy Strategies, L.L.C. (CHPS), in 2019, 27% of Californians in jail reported being unsheltered before they were arrested, and 70% percent of unsheltered individuals reported having been previously incarcerated.

About 28% reported being recently released from a correctional institution.

SB 903 is being reviewed by the Assembly Committee on Public Safety.

AB 411

Assembly Bill (AB) 411, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), involves the Veterans Housing and Homelessness Prevention Bond Act of 2022, which provides affordable rental and transitional housing for low-income and homeless veterans.

The bill would authorize the issuance of up to $600 million in bonds for additional funding for the program.

“First authorized in 2014, this successful program has developed nearly 6,000 units thus far,” Irwin tweeted. “With an estimated 11,000 unhoused veterans living in California, we must continue this work.”

The Senate Committee on Government and Finance is reviewing AB 411.

SB 1336

Legislation introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) Senate Bill (SB) 1336 would allow religious institutions and nonprofit colleges to build affordable housing on their properties with less difficulty.

According to housing advocates, the current process is needlessly complicated and expensive.

“SB 1336 will open up an enormous amount of land for affordable housing and help address our housing crisis,” Wiener tweeted.

SB 1336 is being reviewed by the Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development.

Both in California and across the United States, African Americans account for about 40% of the population, respectively.

By Lou Yeboah

That moment when you realize that you should have listen. Uh, Oh- That moment when you realize that you should have heeded God’s warnings. Uh, Oh – That moment when you realize that you are in Hell. Uh, Oh, [Luke 16:28].

Feasting on sin, giving yourself over to the present gratification, careless of the warnings of God’s Word, indifferent to the rebuke of conscience, saying to yourself: ‘There is no danger; I know the strength of my will, and before I near the rapids I shall fly away to safer habits and purer ways.’ But when the time comes, and the roar of impending judgment rings in your ear, you will find out that your will is paralyzed, that your affections and desires are so entangled in sin that you cannot escape. Uh, Oh – that moment when you realize that you should have heeded God’s warnings.

Change your ways today. Get off the broad way that leads to destruction and get on the narrow way that leads to life. Jesus is not playing games with us. You see, no one loves us more than Jesus does, and no one have warned us more of judgment and Hell than He did. He gave warning after warning and told parable after parable, practically shouting about judgment and the reality of Hell.

Don’t be bewitched by the fairy tale ending that everyone “lived happily ever after.” Just ask the rich man in hell… Meanwhile God is pleading, Come to me. Come to me before it is finally time to rise and close the door. You can’t go on living resistant and opposed to the Kingdom of God and its values, yet magically at death suddenly want to enter His Kingdom, which you have resisted your whole life.

Don’t choose the fleeting pleasures of sin and miss the Kingdom of God. Jesus says in [Mark 9:43-48], “And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

Why go to hell when you don’t have to?

Jesus scolded, begged, and pleaded with the Jews, to open their blind eyes and soften their hard hearts, to turn away from the broad way that leads to destruction, but to no avail. Jesus cried out in sorrowful desperation; “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” [Matthew 23:37].

 

One of the saddest passages in Scripture is Jeremiah 6:16, “… they said, We will not walk in it.” Uh Oh!

 

YUCAIPA, CA — After 18 weeks of grueling training and coursework, 28 graduates from Crafton Hills College’s (CHC) 106th Fire Academy were recognized during a commencement ceremony inside the Finkelstein Performing Arts Center on May 20.

Academy Chief Mike Alder kept his remarks about the 106th Class brief yet heartfelt. He shared the “Big Four” with the graduates and audience: remember the importance of your immediate and fire families; remain humble and nice; always be optimistic and have a positive attitude and have vision and be demanding.

“Understanding and living these principles as a public servant is how you can leave the place better than you found it,” Alder said. “(This) is the greatest job in the world, and you are all better people than you were four months ago. We wish you all the best.”

Tradition and honor were key highlights of the hour-long ceremony. There was a moment of silence for fallen military personnel and first responders and a plaque presentation celebrating the group’s accomplishments.

Alder recognized the support of the academy staff and its five squad leaders: Branden Christensen, Andrew Shade, Indiana Palmer, Ryan Lopez and Andrew Martinez.

Shade addressed the class and spoke about the hard work that went into becoming a program success story. He talked briefly about the long hours away from home and the importance of supporting one another.

“There was a 22-year age gap from oldest to youngest,” he said. “But the one thing we had in common was every one of us had no idea what we were doing, and if you faked it too well, you might have to end up giving a graduation speech.”

Each cadet was recognized by staff before and during the celebration. Many were given individual scholarships and honors during the ceremony. The most inspirational cadet award went to Jaden Teel, and Shade received the highest academic achievement and instructor award.

Before the cadets were released, academy leaders held one last dismissal ceremony.“All fight. No quit!” shouted the cadets together before throwing their hats into the air.

CHC’s 107th Academy begins in August. To learn more about the CHC Fire Academy, visit craftonhills.edu/fireacademy.

 

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

On June 6, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti signed a proclamation making Juneteenth an official holiday for city employees.

Although President Joe Biden signed a bill declaring Juneteenth a federal holiday last year, cities and states still have the power to decide which holidays they will officially observe.

Mayor Garcetti’s signing is one among many commemorations of Juneteenth nationwide as a growing number of states and municipalities officially honor the historic holiday long celebrated in African American communities across the United States.

“We need every Angeleno to learn the full story of our past, no matter the ugliness of some of its chapters, and that means recognizing the lasting legacy of slavery in our country,” Garcetti said at the signing ceremony.

History of Juneteenth

The holiday is recognition of June 19^th, 1865, the day Union soldiers notified enslaved African Americans in Galveston Bay, Texas that they were free under the Emancipation Proclamation.

Two and a half years earlier, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes across the country to mark what was known as “Freedom’s Eve” on Jan. 1, 1863. They were awaiting news confirming that President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation that ended slavery in Confederate States.

Anticipation heightened and celebrations began as the news spread of the 13^th Amendment, the constitutional modification that established the abolishment of slavery. Union soldiers began their march to spread the news throughout plantations and cities in the South.

 

However, not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was signed into law in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later.

 

In Galveston Bay, freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. That momentous day came to be known as “Juneteenth,” by the newly freed people in Texas.

 

The post-emancipation period known as Reconstruction (1865-1877) marked an era of great hope, uncertainty, and struggle for the nation. Formerly enslaved people immediately sought to reunify families, establish schools, run for political office, push radical legislation, and even sue slaveholders for compensation.

 

A California 2022 Juneteenth State Proposal 

On May 19, California State Senators Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) and Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles) introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 109, which would recognize Juneteenth an official holiday statewide this year. Nine other members of the California Legislative Black Caucus are co-sponsors of the resolution.

 

For the past three years, Gov. Newsom has issued Juneteenth proclamations commemorating the holiday and declaring it “Juneteenth National Freedom Day: A Day of Observance” in the State.

 

SCR 109 urges “the people of California to join in celebrating Juneteenth as a day to honor and reflect on the significant role that African Americans have played in the history of the United States and how they have enriched society through their steadfast commitment to promoting unity and equality.”

California joins Texas (1980), Massachusetts (2007), New Jersey (2020), New York (2020), Pennsylvania (2020), Virginia (2020), Washington (2021), Oregon (2021) and Delaware (2021) recognizing Juneteenth as an official state holiday giving state employees the day off from work.

“By making Juneteenth an official state holiday, California would demonstrate its commitment to celebrating the emancipation of all slaves,” Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) said in a statement.

 

“Juneteenth is an important and special annual celebration for Black culture, resilience, and achievement,” Weber continued. “Designating this date as a paid state holiday mirrors the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.”

 

A Snapshot of Juneteenth Events in California

Here are a few highlighted Juneteenth 2022 events in California.

 

Sacramento

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS PRESENTS

JUNETEENTH: A DAY OF REMEMBERANCE

State Capitol – West Steps

From 12: 30 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, June 20, the California Legislative Black Caucus will hold will host a lunch celebrating Black freedom with family, friends, food trucks, and more festivities. The CLBC is calling on all Californians to support AB 1655, which will permanently make Juneteenth a state holiday in California.

SACRAMENTO JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL 2022

William Land Park

Sacramento Juneteenth Incorporated will produce this year’s festival June 17-19, 2022, in William Land Park. This year’s theme will focus on systematic economic injustices. They will partner with several local organizations to highlight and expose the systems and laws that perpetuate the continued economic injustices inflicted on communities of color. Events include a gospel concert, live entertainment, vendors, and more.

You can find more Sacramento Juneteenth events here

Los Angeles

LEIMERT PARK RISING (JUNE 19-20)

4395 Leimert Blvd., Los Angeles 90008

Leimert Park Rising is a collaborative effort to build a more cooperative Leimert Park Village through arts, culture and commerce. Taking place from noon to 8 p.m. on June 19-20, the annual Juneteenth Celebration is a family friendly event for all ages with craft vendors, food trucks, and multiple stages featuring live music and DJs. Free admission.

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

East Bay

 

PAN AFRICAN WELLNESS FEST IN OAKLAND

Lake Merritt Ampitheater

Afrocentric Oakland is hosting a two-day event, The Fam Bam & Pan African Wellness Fest, at Lake Merritt Amphitheater on Lake Merritt Boulevard on June 18 and 19 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The festival will focus on holistic wellness and feature local wellness providers offering meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, spoken word, self-defense lessons, connections to mental health services, and more.

The organization will also present “Black Excellence Awards” and provide fun activities for children.

 

JUNETEENTH-IN-BERKELEY

Alcatraz-Adeline Corridor

Juneteenth-in-Berkeley, held annually in June on Father’s Day, in south Berkeley’s five-block Alcatraz-Adeline corridor has been 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 Juneteenth events here.

 

San Diego

JUNETEENTH A Summer Celebration of Culture

The Jacobs Center (404 Euclid Ave) Saturday June 18, 2022, 10am-5pm

Community Actor’s Theatre and Common Ground Theatre two of San Diego’s most prestigious African American Theatres are hosting this majestic outdoor event at the Jacob’s Center in Market Creek Plaza. Come out and treat yourself to a time filled with history music dancing story telling reflection vendors and physical art on display! All Are Welcome!

You can find more San Diego Juneteenth events here.

 

Inland Empire

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM

June 18^th San Bernardino Valley College 12pm-6pm

“Come out and Celebrate Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom, we will have vendors, live performances, speakers, kids’ zone, spade and domino tournaments, food vendors, cook offs, resources and much more. This will be a one-of-a-kind Juneteenth event to hit our city, we are going educate the community on the history of Juneteenth and its origins, make sure you come out you do not want to miss this event. This is a free event. A day of fun and entertainment.”

 

Oxnard

JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL CELEBRATING ARTISTIC AND FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Oxnard College and 5^th Street Downtown

Art enthusiasts and community-based organizations in Oxnard are marking Juneteenth this year with a two-day event celebrating art and artists while promoting financial freedom.

 

Artist Milton “510” Bowen, an Oakland native, is headlining the festival that will be held at various locations in Ventura County’s largest city, about 60 miles north of Los Angeles.

 

June 17 • 6PM – 8PM

Private Artist Reception and Pre-Sale

99Three FM Radio Station, Oxnard College

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June 18 • Noon – 4PM

Milton 510 Collection Exhibition and Public Sale

Open Door Studio – 329 W 5th St, Downtown Oxnard (Next door to Carnegie Art Museum)

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June 18 • 10 – 5PM

Juneteenth Celebration

Oxnard Plaza Park (Downtown Oxnard) – 500 S C Street, Oxnard 93030

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Contra Costa

 

2022 LET FREEDOM RING East Contra Costa County JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Sunday, June 19th, 2022 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm Waldie Plaza

“As we strive to celebrate and honor the diversity of all Contra Costa County cities and their history, Juneteenth is a celebration to be held with as much respect as 4th of July celebrations go forth. Last year, we hosted an amazing event in the historic Waldie Plaza in Antioch that consisted of a full program with entertainment and speakers from throughout our community, and an array of vendors including a full COVID Vaccine clinic by Kaiser Permanente. The event was a success, and we are now looking to continue to grow the event.”

 

Beverly Jean Earl was born October 15, 1953, in San Diego, CA, the fourth child of Willard and Luteal Earl, and was later joined by 4 more siblings. Beverly began her Christian journey in kindergarten at Laurel Bible Chapel. She received her education at Central Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Jr. High, John Muir High School, graduating from Cajon High School, San Bernardino, CA after moving to San Bernardino, CA in 1969.

1969 was also the year Beverly met john Wesley Welsh and the beginning of a blessed union welcoming 4 beautiful children, Laura, Fred, Raquel & Darrin. August would have been the 53rd anniversary of their beginning.

1982, Beverly began her community service with Catholic Charities in Colton, CA, she quickly discovered that the existing food program did not meet the needs of the community and her limited resources were the root cause to expand the community services program that was much needed. So to build her program she needed to grow her resources, and did so by taking grant-writing classes on the weekends at Cal-State San Bernardino to get the resources she needed. Now with the knowledge of grant writing she began searching for grants and found grants for food programs, rental assistance, mortgage assistance, utility assist ace, gasoline vouchers, burial assistance and much more in grants exuding 60 million.

The growth of the Catholic Charities community service program helped so many families and touched so many lives. She also started a meal-feeding program at the St. Bernadine Church on Fifth Street in San Bernardino, and later to feeding needy families and the homeless Thanksgiving dinners at the Branding Iron on S. E St. San Bernardino.

Beverly could still see more need in the community and the Catholic Charities 92411 Homework Center was opened along with a community garden. Both were successful increasing her volunteer and community support.

Those in need of help knew coming to Catholic Charities that there would be someone there who would welcome them, and their needs would be met. Beverly welcomed everyone showing them kindness and compassion for the situation they were going through, and she made sure they were completely satisfied with the services they had received.

May 26, 2022, after 40 years of dedicated service to the communities of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties Beverly Jean Earl ended her service after a job well done as a good and faithful servant when her body could go no more; this is just a fraction of what she accomplished.
Beverly will be remembered by those she served for her overwhelming kindness, her beautiful smile and was respected by all who knew her.

Beverly was preceded in death by her father Willard, mother Luteal, Brother Willard Jr., Sister in law Helen, Sister Vera Louise, granddaughter Mariyah, nephews Tyrone & Gregory.

Leaving he legacy of love and precious memories with John Welsh, San Bernardino, CA, 2 daughters; Laura (William) Fox, Victorville, CA, Raquel ( David) Walker, San Bernardino, CA 2 sons; Fred ( Heather) Welsh, Tolleson, AZ, Darin ( Daisha Stewart) Welsh, San Bernardino, CA, 3 chosen daughters; Kim Carter, San Bernardino , CA Alejandra Diaz, Hesperia, CA, Juan Arangue, San Bernardino, CA 1 aunt Maxine Gray, San Diego, CA, 5 sisters; Patricia Pointdexter, Las Vegas, Nevada, Helen (Charlie) Huston, Adelanto, CA, Phillis Earl, Phoenix, AZ, Earlene (Mike) Mena, Las Vegas, Nevada, Diane (William) Kirkland, San Bernardino, CA, 2 brothers; George Earl, Bloomington, CA, Brian Earl, San Diego, CA. 15 grandchildren; Brittney, Shelby (Steviesha Nichols), Shaylee (Kwesi Akuffo), Matthew, Maurice, Maddie, Freddie, Arterean (Beulah) Brittney (Gerald), Davian, Darrin Jr., Donavon, Dominique, Dallas, Douglas, 5 great-grandchildren; Reggie, Shaleah, Mekhi, Micah, James David.

Chosen daughters; Alejandra Diaz, Catholic Charities, Kim Carter, Time for Change Foundation, Juana Arangure, Catholic Charities.

LOS ANGELES, CA—- African American and Latinx boys from Southern California, Northern California and Phoenix convened at California State University Los Angeles this past weekend for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.’s Inaugural Western Province Kappa League Conference.

The youth were housed in the South Village dorms from Friday to Sunday and participated in a series of team-building activities and workshops led by industry experts. New York Jets safety Jovante Moffat, sports agent Harrison Gaines, referees and former NFL players discussed careers in sports. Credit Union of Southern California hosted an interactive financial literacy workshop. Acclaimed actor and National Kappa League Spokesperson John Marshall Jones talked to the attendees about media training. Greg “Olksool Ice-Gre” Lewis, the first A&R Director for Kanye West’s GOOD Music, spoke about hip hop lyrics, messages and images. San Bernardino Unified School District Chief of Police Joseph Paulino and California State University Los Angeles professor Dr. Nana Lawson Bush V were also among the esteemed speakers. Additionally, college students shared insight about campus life.

The Kappa Leaguers bonded immediately upon meeting members from other chapters, engaging in various athletic activities and as well as the Cup Stack Challenge and Shark Tank competitions.

Shannon Faulk, Western Province Guide Right Chair, said the conference achieved its mission. “The Kappa League Leadership Program and this conference was to demonstrate that no generation exists in isolation or on its own island,” he said. “There is an obligation to leave a little behind to those who need our wisdom as men. The African American and Brown communities depend on the strength of its men and we are here to do our part in developing strong young leaders.”

Conference Chair Anthony Lee described the conference as an example of Black men uniting to train young men for leadership. “We were able to share valuable information and conduct team-building activities to bridge the gap across generations,” he said. “Events like this help our community to remain relevant and thrive as the world around us changes.”

Kappa League is a part of the fraternity’s Guide Right program that celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Guide Right is the oldest, most successful mentoring program led by African American men in the United States. The program has impacted more than 500,000 young lives.

The Western Province Kappa League Conference was sponsored by GRAD Foundation, Western Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., San Fernando – Santa Clarita Alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, National Kappa League, California State University Los Angeles, Airwave Communications, Snapchat, Faithful Central Bible Church and PennyMac.

ATLANTA, GA— During the weekend of June 10 to June 12, former community and entertainment journalist, Naomi K. Bonman, wrapped production on her first feature film, “Manifested Bliss”, in Atlanta, Georgia. Cast members flew in from Boston, Massachusetts and Houston, Texas to partake in the film. Other cast members that came into Atlanta drove in from Durham, North Carolina.

“I’m still in a state of awe,” Bonman states. “I couldn’t have been blessed with a more better cast crew. They are amazing. My cast. Not only came on set to and naturally transformed into their roles, but they all assisted in all areas of production from sound to staging to make-up and hair. I was truly blessed with the best.”

Naomi K. Bonman wrote, produced, and directed Manifested Bliss. Her cast members include Raisa D’Oyley (Ashlyn), Jeff Saint Dic (Nathen), Karen Elessie (Jade), JoJo Brooks (Brian), Aaliyah Reid (Briana), Kevin “Kaze” Thomas (Tyson), Marie France Louis (Stacey), Kori Poe (Rodney), Darryl Chambers (Jerome); and Cedric McKenzie (driver). In addition to a phenomenal and talented cast, the crew members that facilitated to make production a success were Kelsey Wilson (Director of Photography, Editor, Lighting Assembler) and Eric Clardy (Production Assistant).

“Manifested Bliss” is a romantic comedy about a Jezebel, who is now a soon to be wife, who has mastered the art of manifestation and attempts to get her friends husbands. The mission behind the film is to bring a light-hearted, narrative that people can relate to.

“With so much negativity within the Black community, it can real drag a person down,” Bonman explains. “After watching this film, I hope that the audience walks away with not just the desire to continue to find their soulmate, but to want to be the best version of themselves. “Manifested Bliss” is not just about love, but is also about self-awareness, growth, and finding yourself.”

The special thing about this film is that not only was this Bonman’s first feature film, but it was also most of the cast members first feature films and first film debuts.

“Just like that, my first film debut is a wrap!” Raisa stated. “I’m filled with such gratitude for the opportunity to do what I love with some amazing and talented people. I’ve been inspired in more ways than I can count.”

The team is currently in post-production and gearing up for their slated November premiere which will be held in Atlanta, GA. They are in a heavy marketing period, and all and any support is greatly appreciated.

To support the film and to learn more about it, please visit manifestedbliss.com.