By Frederick Joseph

“We write because we believe the human spirit cannot be tamed and should not be trained.”– Nikki Giovanni, National Book Award finalist, NAACP Image Award winner, Langston Hughes Medal recipient, Grammy-nominated poet, celebrated professor, literary legend, revolutionary.

Dear Ms. Giovanni,

I never got to meet you, not in the way some people meet, where hands shake and voices hum their recognition. But I met you, didn’t I? Through the pen you wielded like a torch, like a wand, like a blade when the world needed sharpening. You didn’t just write poems—you built rooms for us to walk into, to rest in, to rage in, to love in. I stepped into those rooms again and again, never leaving quite the same as I entered.

I remember the first time I met you, even if you weren’t really there. I was in middle school, and my teacher handed me your poem, “Ego-Tripping.” I didn’t know poetry could feel like that—like it was climbing out of the page, standing proud, daring anyone to look away. That poem felt like a drumbeat in my chest, like the pulse of something bigger than me but still mine.

I enjoyed it so much that I decided I wasn’t going to be afraid to read aloud the next time my teacher asked. That might not sound like much, but you have to understand—I was always afraid to read aloud. My mind runs faster than my mouth can keep up. It still happens, even now. Words pile up in my head like a traffic jam, and my tongue tries to catch up but can’t. But that day, with your poem in my hands, I wasn’t afraid. I wasn’t fumbling. I was invincible.

Some days, I still am.

How do I thank you for that? For letting me sit beside you, poem after poem, as you held the mirror to Blackness and said, “Look. See how beautiful, how complex, how infinite we are.” You took your joy and your pain, your fight and your tenderness, and poured it into the pages, and those pages poured it into us. You made it possible to believe that the word could be a home, even when the world wasn’t.

Did you know you were handing us maps, showing us how to find ourselves when we felt lost? Did you know your words would echo long after you were gone, shaping us, challenging us, calling us to be bolder, softer, freer?

Even though we never met, I feel like I knew you. And maybe that’s the magic of what you gave to the world—you let us know you, the way the moon lets you feel its glow even when it’s distant. You were honest in your brilliance, unyielding in your love for your people, uncompromising in your devotion to truth. Your work has always felt like a hand on my shoulder, guiding me through the fog of this world.

Now you’ve passed on, and the earth feels a little quieter. But your words are loud enough to fill the silence. Your legacy beats like a second heart in those of us who’ve read you, who’ve been changed by you. You showed us how to live unafraid, how to write unafraid, and for that, we will never stop thanking you.

I wrote something for you, please let me know what you think of it when we finally meet:

sleep well, Ms. Giovanni

you sat the stars down and taught them how to wink,
wrapped the moon in your laughter, sent it spinning,
a love supreme floating through the quiet corners
of our kitchen sinks and subway cars.

and hot combs, and durags, and cognac,
and linen suits, and church hats, and thug life,
and all the shit they said was too Black.

you made poetry the blood,
made it the marrow—
the way we hold our babies close
or kiss the air when no one’s looking.
you wrote us whole,
even when we were breaking.

your words, a song—soft and unyielding—
Marvin Gaye on sunday mornings
and on protest lines.
you whispered to the shadows,
told them they were still made of light.

you told the south to sing,
told the north to dance,
held the universe in a mason jar,
and said, “look, this is ours.”

somewhere, beneath a magnolia tree,
your voice is still planting itself,
still pulling love out of the dirt,
still teaching us how to bloom.

With love and thanks,
Frederick

By Angela M. Coggs

San Bernardino native and rising NFL star Jayden Daniels returned to his roots on Saturday, December 7, 2024, to host his inaugural toy drive at Cajon High School, his alma mater. The event, held during the Washington Commanders’ bye week, drew over 400 local children and their families, filling the gymnasium with holiday cheer and the spirit of giving.

The toy drive was not only a reflection of Daniels’ generosity but also a celebration of his deep ties to the San Bernardino community. Earlier this year, in January 2024, the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) honored Daniels by naming Cajon High School’s football stadium after him, recognizing his achievements both on and off the field. “This young man continues to be a blessing in so many ways.  His sense of humility and appreciation models what we hope for every young man and young woman to aspire to become,” said SBCUSD School Board Member Scott Wyatt.  “Thank you, Jayden Daniels, for being the amazing young man you are. We LOVE you! We are PROUD of you! And may God continue to Bless you and protect for many years to come.”

Daniels, the rookie quarterback for the Commanders, greeted attendees with his trademark smile and contagious energy. Children lined up to meet their hometown hero, who took time to sign autographs, pose for photos, and personally hand out toys. For Daniels, the event was more than just a moment of giving—it was an opportunity to inspire.

“This is only the beginning,” Daniels said. “I want to make this an annual event, and I hope next year will be even bigger. It means the world to me to come back home and bring some joy to the kids in this community. This is where it all started for me.”

The event was a resounding success, with children and their families’ enjoying games, music, and an abundance of toys, all provided through donations and Daniels’ own contributions. His passion for giving back was evident as he moved through the crowd, sharing laughter and uplifting stories from his journey. “This is one of the best experiences EVER,” exclaimed Rio M., a local student who attended the event. Many were impressed with how he was able recite Daniels stats easily off the top of his head. He walked away with a huge Nerf gun, exactly what he wanted. He was in awe of Daniels and excited to be in his presence.

Cajon High School Principal Melissa Kane praised Daniels’ commitment to his hometown. “Jayden has always been a leader, both on the field and off. His dedication to giving back to San Bernardino shows the kind of person he is. We’re so proud to have his name on our stadium and to call him one of our own.”

This is not an isolated gift to his hometown. On Wednesday evening, Nov. 13, 2024, after their regular practice at Jayden Daniels Stadium, Cajon High School football players received a surprise gift from a surprise visitor.
The stadium’s namesake, former Cajon High quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner, and now Washington Commanders quarterback, Jayden Daniels, appeared to the players on the field displayed on a large video screen.
While on screen, Daniels revealed he was gifting each of the athletes a pair of Beats by Dre headphones.
Cajon’s head football coach Nick Rodgers connected with Daniels via facetime, while Daniels’ father, Jay Daniels, attended the practice in person to pass out the 65 pairs of headphones.
On the video call Daniels congratulated the team for making it to the playoffs.
“Congrats to you on your season so far. I’m always watching and I’m always supporting,” Daniels said. “I love Cajon. I love San Bernardino and I love what y’all are doing. Hopefully this year y’all can go get a ring. I got you a little gift for something to lock into the playoffs.”
The players exploded in excitement and enthusiastically thanked him.
Daniels later posted a video of the event to his Instagram account, thanking Beats headphones and Crowd Control Entertainment from Palm Springs who set up the audio equipment for the event.
On the video call Daniels congratulated the team for making it to the playoffs.

According to a video later posted by Daniels to his Instagram account, Beats by Dre Headphones and Crowd Control Entertainment, based in Palm Springs, collaborated, set up and provided the audio equipment for the event.”

Daniels’ impact on the San Bernardino community continues to grow as he establishes himself in the NFL. His toy drive exemplifies his desire to use his platform to uplift others, making him a role model not just for aspiring athletes but for anyone striving to make a difference.

With plans already underway for next year’s event, Daniels hopes to inspire even more people to join him in spreading joy during the holiday season. For San Bernardino, it’s clear that the hometown hero’s star is not only shining on the field but also illuminating the hearts of his community.

As the gymnasium at Cajon High School echoed with laughter and gratitude, one thing was certain: Jayden Daniels’ toy drive was more than just a charitable event—it was a celebration of hope, unity, and the power of giving back.

By Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., California Secretary of State  

Californians can confidently claim this: California has made more significant reforms to our election laws and expanded voting rights than any other state.

The relevance of this accomplishment deepens as we prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act next year. This landmark legislation began to undo our country’s long history of voter suppression, intimidation, and disenfranchisement that far too many Americans experienced at the polls for decades.

My own parents, who were sharecroppers, were denied their right to vote in the Jim Crow era South. Before moving to Los Angeles from Hope, Arkansas, my parents, David and Mildred Nash, could not vote. My father was an adult with six children before he registered to vote and was only able to exercise that constitutional right for the first time here in California.

As California Secretary of State, I do not take the progress we have made over the years lightly. My staff and I hold sacred the obligation to ensure that our elections are safe, free, fair, and accessible to all. Therefore, before certifying the results for this year’s election on Dec. 13, we have taken a number of steps to ensure that every vote is counted. We have also made sure that our ballot counting process is credible and free from interference.

To meet that deadline without a hitch, California requires elections officials in all 58 counties to turn in their official results by a certain date. This year, that date was December 6.

By law, every eligible voter in our state receives a vote-by-mail ballot. This ensures all registered voters can exercise their right to vote.

Whether you placed your ballot in a designated drop-off box, voted by mail, or cast your ballot at a polling center, votes are safe and secure. And we allow voters to sign up to receive text message, email, or voice call notifications about the status of their own ballots by using the Where’s My Ballot? tool. To learn more or to sign up, paste this URL in your web browser: https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/

The ballots of Californians who voted by mail are also protected. The United States Postal Service partners with the State to make sure ballots are delivered on time. All mailed-in ballots are sent by First Class mail with a postage paid envelope provided to every eligible registered voter.

Election Security is our number one priority. That’s why my office designed and implemented a program to back up that commitment.  For more information, visit this URL: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/election-cybersecurity

Additionally, California takes preventive actions to make sure our voting technology keeps our elections safe and protects everyone’s votes.

For example, county voting systems are not connected to the internet, which protects them from cyberthreats. The State also performs regular and rigorous testing to make sure the voting systems are working optimally, and only authorized personnel are granted access.

Staff members are also given phishing and cybersecurity training.

VoteCal, the state’s centralized voter registration system, is also key. The system is regularly updated, and it is used as a resource for counties to verify voter signatures.

California also provides security at all counting locations and makes sure ballot drop-off boxes are secured and monitored.

And all election processes are open to observation during specified hours.

In my role as Secretary of State of California, there is nothing more important to me than defending our democracy. I am committed to safeguarding voting rights, and to leading our state in upholding the highest democratic standards by implementing policies and practices that Californians and all Americans can trust and look to for instruction and hope.

You can contact the California Office of the Secretary of State at 1-800-345-Vote or elections@sos.ca.gov with inquiries or to report suspected incidents or irregularities. Additional information can be found at www.sos.ca.gov and the office’s social media platforms:

Instagram: @californiasos_

Facebook: Facebook.com/CaliforniaSOS

X: @CASOSVote

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Frontline Doulas provides African American families in Los Angeles County non-medical professional perinatal services at no cost.

This includes physical, emotional, informational, psychosocial and advocacy support during the pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period. Women of ages — with all forms of insurance — are accepted and encouraged to apply for services.

Given that community-based doulas focus on marginalized patients and under-served families, they are more likely to support clients challenged by institutionalized racism and cultural incompetence within the medical setting. While serving past birthing clients in extreme situations, Frontline’s team of doulas strive to act with strength and compassion like soldiers on the frontline of battle. For this reason, supervisors and mentors Dr. Sayida Peprah and Khefri Riley affectionately gave them the name “The Frontline Doulas.”

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with co-founder Khefri Riley. She reflected on Frontline’s accomplishments this year and the organization’s goals moving forward.

Responses have been edited for clarity and length.

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

In 2024, we are humbled to have been awarded the contract for the Los Angeles County Medical Doula Hub, which means that we are charged with creating a hub of connectivity and support for generating training and helping to create the new doula workforce for the medical doula benefit that went live in California on Jan. 1, 2023.

The major accomplishment of this historical benefit — in which we were part of the co-design team and are currently still working with the DHCS (Department of Healthcare Services) – is to bring equitable birthing services to Los Angeles County, especially for Black and Indigenous birthing families.

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

We believe that the revolution begins in the womb. What we mean by that is we have the potentiality and the ability to create intentional generational healing from the moment before a child was conceived, when a child was conceived, during this gestational time and when a child is born.

And there’s a traditional saying in indigenous communities where what we do now affects future generations going forward. So, the work that we do with birthing families, in particular Black birthing families, is to create powerful and healthy outcomes for the new generation so that we don’t have to replicate pain, fear, discrimination, or racism. We can replicate joy and happiness and truth and collective liberation, and we can do that in birth. That’s where it starts.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

Working in reproductive justice often creates a heavy burden on the organization and the caregivers that deliver the services most needed to the communities. So, oftentimes, we’re advocating for those whose voices are silenced and erased, and you really have to be a warrior to stand strong and firm. Our dedication to our communities can sometimes be tiring — repeating the same thing over and over. But you know the statistics, the dire outcomes, can take a lot out of you.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

My great-grandmother. My father was his grandmother’s midwife assistant when he was a young boy. I grew up with their medicine stories — the ways that they healed the community and were present to the community, even amidst Jim Crow. Knowing their resilience and their passion and their incredible gifts, who are we not to continue their lineage and uplift their message of loving the babies, loving the mothers and birthing people and loving the earth.

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

I find that you have to really reach for your highest vision, and you have to stand firm in your value. The value you have as a sovereign self, the value that you have as a human being. And the value that we have in community and the value that we have in collective liberation. Because oftentimes, when we’re talking about large-scale systems, government, healthcare, politics, they’re not necessarily going to look out for you. You have to raise your voice, speak up and demand, and know your intrinsic value.

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

Amplification. We cannot allow our voices to be silent.

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

I really would like to see a reduction in infant mortality and maternal mortality within our communities and witness this new birth worker force be supported and integrated into systems. So, that way, we fulfill our goal of healthy, unlimited birth in the Black community, and indeed in all birthing communities in Los Angeles and California.

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 the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to https://www.cavshate.org/

The California Attorney General’s Office, in 1968, issued a report titled; Palm Springs Section 14 Demolition. The final paragraph of that document is reprinted here…

“The City of Palm Springs not only disregarded the residents of Section 14 as property-owners, taxpayers, and voters. Palm Springs ignored that the residents of Section 14 were human beings.”

The Civil Rights Act was in effect… And yet, the ‘City engineered holocaust’, as described by the AG’s Report, was classified as not illegal, and allowed to continue terrorizing the surviving Section 14 victims and descendants… Section 14’s homes and personal belongings, were not the only things devastated by the fire! People were devastated… But people were not only devastated by the fire, they were, in many cases, most devastated by the blatant hateful racism that it takes to treat people as non-human!
The painful effects of institutional racism go deeper and last longer than that human to human kind of misunderstanding… Institutional racism is terrorizing because it is considered legal! However, sometimes mistakes are made and a crack is created in the institutional racism shield…
The City of Palm Springs recently offered 4 plus million dollars to the ‘Survivors of Section 14’, an organization representing the 300 plus families and their 1200 plus members, an offer which was refused! I think that the offer was/is an insult, and that the city having enough distain for the survivors to make such a stand is another example of the ongoing hate crime being perpetrated on the surviving victims of the “City engineered holocaust”, the demolition of Palm Springs Section 14!
The coordinated actions designed to take property legally through eminent domain is painful enough. But even worse was the City choosing to hatefully, just snatch the land from underneath its owners ignoring their humanity!
I will be reporting this hate crime via the Stop The Hate recommended method and I will report more regarding the victims as I get back to you next week!
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, 833-8-NO-HATE 833-866-4283
Listen to Empire Talks Back radio Host, Wallace Allen interview Attorney Areva Martin and Pearl Devers, founder of the ‘Palm Springs Survivors of Section 14’,
The Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors are victims of what the 1968 report from the California Attorney General’s Office describes as “A city engineered holocaust”, as an estimated 200 African American homes were burned, bulldozed… Demolished in the city of Palm Springs by the Palm Springs Fire Department. As community organizations and government entities across the state participate in “Unite Against The Hate” activities, beginning September 21st, we think that it is important to point out that as we voice our distain for hate, our government institutions are in some places still defending it!
As partners in the CA vs Hate Program, what are the Attorney General, the Civil Rights Division, and the Department of Social Services doing about the plight of the Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors of the “City engineered Holocaust”?

NATIONWIDE — High-achieving women searching for clarity and confidence in their dating lives now have a one-of-a-kind opportunity. Dr. Casandra “Coach Cass” Henriquez, America’s Go-To Love Coach, is hosting the “How to Attract Quality Men Intensive” from January 31 through February 1, 2025, in a luxurious Fort Lauderdale, Florida mansion.

Tailored for professional women over 40, this hands-on, immersive weekend helps participants master dating skills through mock dates with real men—and gain live, constructive feedback. With only 12 spots available, this exclusive event is designed to offer actionable insights that help women attract quality men who align with their values and goals.

Why Women Want Real Feedback

For many single, successful women, the dating process can feel frustrating and unclear:

• Am I sending the right signals?
• Why does the connection fizzle after a great date?
• What am I doing wrong—and how can I fix it?

“Too often, women are left guessing about what went wrong,” says Coach Cass. “This intensive provides immediate answers and helps women feel confident about how they’re coming across.”

A Weekend of Practice, Feedback, and Results

Unlike traditional seminars or online courses, the How to Attract Quality Men Intensive combines expert coaching with real-world application. Participants will:

• Learn body language, communication, and flirting techniques in a workshop setting.
• Practice those skills during mock dates with real men in a judgment-free environment.
• Receive real-time feedback from men and Coach Cass to fine-tune their approach.

Test their skills in a public setting to build confidence in real-life scenarios.

“This isn’t just learning—it’s doing,” says Coach Cass. “Women leave this experience with tools they can immediately apply to their dating lives.”

What Sets This Intensive Apart

Coach Cass created the intensive after hearing from women who felt stuck in their dating lives:

• “I don’t know why I keep attracting men who aren’t ready for commitment.”
• “I’m not sure what makes me stand out or how to meet high-quality men.”
• “I’ve worked so hard on my career and life, but I don’t want to grow old alone.”

Through honest feedback and personalized coaching, the event helps women gain clarity about what works in dating — and the confidence to connect with the men they truly want.

About
Dr. Casandra “Coach Cass” Henriquez is a bestselling author, certified love coach & matchmaker, and creator of the Real Love Network. Known for her relatable and results-oriented approach, Coach Cass has helped thousands of professional women break free from dating frustrations to create meaningful relationships.

Her book, Wanted Woman: The Busy Woman’s Guide to Attracting and Choosing a Love That Lasts, has made her a trusted voice for women who want to approach dating with clarity and ease.

Event Details

When: January 31 to February 1, 2025
Where: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Investment: $3,500
How to register: Register online at WantedWoman.com/intensive

This all-inclusive weekend includes accommodations, gourmet meals, workshops, mock dates, and real-time feedback. Applications are now open for only 12 spots.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

When Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) was sworn into the California Legislature in 2009 as an Assemblymember, he brought with him a long and faceted record of accomplishments in both the private and public sectors.

From his experiences as a Fortune 500 corporate executive at IBM and Southern California Edison to earning his chops as the first Black Gardena City Councilmember, Bradford excelled in various roles before being elected State Senator in 2016.

In the State Senate, Bradford secured millions of dollars to support projects, programs, and institutions in his district, including Compton Community College and Watts Rising, a collaborative that advocates for affordable housing. Bradford, who is termed out next year, is also a champion of workforce development and environmental initiatives.

Earlier this year, he announced that he is running for Lieutenant Governor.

Bradford, who served as Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) until this month, says he continues to pursue and enact policies geared toward equity and fairness.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Bradford recently. He reflected on his current goals, his many accomplishments, disappointments, and lessons learned over the course of the last year.

Responses have been edited for clarity and length.

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

The fact that we got substantive legislation on reparations through both houses with very little opposition, despite the fact that one of those bills was vetoed and two, were not brought up on the floor for a vote.

I still think that’s a major success. We were also able to secure $12 million in the budget, especially during a deficit year, to fund reparations initiatives. So, those things in and of themselves, were highlights – even if we did not get all the final

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

I think my career overall has been about moving the agenda for not only African Americans, but those who’ve been most disenfranchised, not only by the State, but also by this country. I think my record speaks for itself when you look at the Ebony Alert law, the Bruce’s Beach settlement, or NIL legislation, that not only directly impacted people of color, specifically African Americans, but also helped all people with the challenges they face here. Also, a first-time low-income funding for internet and public housing – $30 million for that.

We secured $40 million for Allensworth, the historic Black-majority city, now state park, that was founded by Colonel Allensworth. The funding helped to restore that park two years ago. My record overall has been one of service and responding where is the most need.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

The veto of my bill, SB 1050, and the fact that 1403 and 1331, two other reparations bills, didn’t even have a vote on the Assembly Floor, despite the fact that those bills made it through both houses with little or no opposition.

The fact that 1403 and 1331 didn’t see the light of day the last week of session, that was really disappointing. Especially when the entire Black Caucus supported 1403. And again, the bill had not been amended from the time it was introduced to the time it got all the way to the Assembly. So, I’m really sorry that, until the last couple of days, they chose not to bring this bill up.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

The fact that we’re resilient. You have to keep hope.

I don’t let one setback define the movement. We’re going to continue to fight, whether I’m in the legislature or not. And whether it’s a Black Caucus party or not, I think our colleagues are going to continue to do what’s right for all Californians — but also have a lane for those folks who have been most disenfranchised here in the state and across this country.

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

Always be prepared for the double cross. I was told that almost 30 years ago by my mentor, the late Mervyn Dymally, former State Senator, former Assemblyman, Lieutenant Governor, Congressman. He says always expect the double cross because it will happen. We saw it this year. But again, you got to stay positive and soldier through. So that’s what we’re going to continue to do.

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

Unity. We are, in many ways, moving forward but in a very fragmented way.

As the African proverb states, “If you want to go fast, you go by yourself. But if you want to go far, go together.”

However, we don’t have the unity that we should have.

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

To keep being a voice for positive change. Being supportive of impactful legislation that’s going to help all Californians, but especially those folks who have been most disenfranchised in this state.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

At 32, Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) has emerged as one of California’s most dynamic Assemblymembers.

As a former Assembly Majority Leader, Bryan has focused his legislative career on addressing racial inequities and systemic injustice, particularly in criminal justice reform, environmental justice, and economic equality.

Now in his fourth year in the legislature, Bryan serves as a generational bridge within the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) as several longer-serving colleagues have left office due to term limits. In 2025, he will assume the influential role of CLBC Vice Chair and is expected to provide greater leadership on issues important to Black Californians.

Representing the 55th Assembly District, which includes both affluent and disadvantaged communities in Los Angeles County, Bryan’s legislative efforts have been crucial in passing policies that uplift marginalized communities, particularly Black Californians, while addressing long-standing systemic inequities.

Recently, Bryan spoke with California Black Media (CBM). He reflected on his legislative efforts in 2024, the challenges he faced, and his vision for 2025.

His responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Reflecting on 2024, what do you believe was your most impactful achievement for advancing the interests of Black Californians, and why? 

The first is AB 2716. It is a major win for environmental justice that addresses long-standing health and safety concerns for Black and lower-income residents living near oil and gas production fields. The second is AB 2906. That bill ensures that foster care children, many of whom are disproportionately Black, receive their rightful survivor benefits from federal programs after their parents pass away. Previously, these funds were often redirected to county budgets. AB 2906 is a real game-changer for foster care youth. We’ve ensured that these kids, who’ve already faced so many obstacles, are not cheated out of the financial support meant for them.

As the incoming Vice Chair of the Black Caucus, how have your leadership and policy efforts helped address key issues impacting Black Californians? 

Leadership is about bringing people together across racial, geographic, and political lines to make meaningful change. The Black Caucus secured $300 million in ongoing funding for California’s lowest-performing students, who are disproportionately Black. We fought hard for this funding, and it’s going to make a real difference in our communities, helping to close the achievement gap.

What were the most significant challenges you faced in advocating for Black Californians, especially in navigating the complexities of reparations discussions and other policies aimed at addressing systemic inequities?

Misinformation and disinformation were huge obstacles in 2024, especially during an election year. These tactics have been used to divide Black communities and diminish their political influence. Another major challenge was navigating the state’s budget deficit, which threatened critical programs for Black Californians. We had to fight hard to protect programs in education, housing, and social services from severe cuts. When you’re dealing with a budget deficit, every dollar counts, and we had to ensure that our communities weren’t the ones left shortchanged.

What events or movements inspired you the most in your efforts to support Black communities?

Watching grassroots organizations and everyday people stand up for their communities, especially when it comes to health and safety, has been powerful. It’s inspiring to see local advocates and community members not only speak up, but demand the right to live in safe, healthy environments.

What lessons from 2024 have shaped your approach to policy and decision-making?

The biggest lesson from 2024 is the importance of persistence. As leaders, we have to stay committed to the long game, even when the path is difficult. The fight for equity, whether it’s in housing, education, or environmental justice, requires consistency. You can’t let up.

In one word, what do you see as the most pressing issue Black Californians are facing?

Equity. We need to make sure that Black Californians are not left behind as we move forward as a state. This means pushing to repair past harms and fighting for fair access to resources and opportunities in every aspect of life, whether it’s education, jobs, or health.

What is the one goal you are most committed to achieving in 2025 as Vice Chair of the Black Caucus?

My number one goal for 2025 is to ensure that the state’s budget is not balanced on the backs of Black Californians. The budget is a moral document, and it needs to reflect our values of fairness and justice.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Being lost and going to Hell, thinking you were going to Heaven. A line from a Negro spiritual says it well, “Everybody talkin’ ’bout Heaven ain’t goin’ there.”

You see, Jesus makes one of the most startling statements in the entire Bible. He says, not everyone that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven. [Matthew 7:21-27]. Some people who will think they are saved are, in fact, still lost and headed to Hell! Why? Because Jesus says that not all who profess Him possess Him. [Titus 1:16].

So, you can sing, “When We All Get to Heaven” if you want to; But if you are not doing what the song says, “Trusting, Serving Every Day; Being Truthful and Faithful,” you can forget about it. [Matthew 7:21-23; Hebrews 10:26-31; Revelation 21:8; Galatians 5:19-21; Jude 1:7].

As Paul wrote to the people in the Church at Corinth, examine yourself to see if you are truly in the Faith. Prove your own self, giving diligence to make your calling and election sure. For if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. [2 Corinthians 13:5; 2 Peter 1:10] because professing Christ and not possessing Him you will be excluded from Heaven. Beside you can appear to have your act together with the Lord, but God knows the true condition of each man’s heart. For He says in [Mark 4:12; Jeremiah 17:9-10] the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.

I tell you, so many people think they are saved because they consider themselves good people, because they have said a “Sinner’s Prayer, been Baptized, Pray, Read the Bible, Fast, Pay Tithes, Do Good Works, Go to Church, Hold a Position in Church, Speak in Tongues, Heal, Cast out Demons, Prophesize and do Miracles in Jesus name which is all good but as [Titus 1:15-16] says, none of them will get you into Heaven if your conscience is defiled.

Such people claim they know God, but they deny Him by the way they live. That’s why Jesus says, for many will say to Me in that day, have we not prophesied in Thy name, cast out devils, and done many wonderful works in Thy name?  And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: Depart from me, ye that worker iniquity. [Matthew 7:22-23]. Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: These people say they are mine. They honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me, and their worship of Me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote. [Matthew 15:7-9; Mark 7:6; Isaiah 29:13; Jeremiah 12:2].

Don’t recite My Laws no longer, and don’t pretend that you obey Me. For you refuse My discipline and treat My Laws [God’s Word & God’s Commandments] like trash. [Psalm 50:16-22]. You draw near to Me with your mouth. You Honor Me with your lips, you worship Me, but you are not saved. On the outside you look Righteous and Holy, but you are not. While you did all this, I remained silent, and you thought I didn’t care. But now I will rebuke you, listing all my charges against you. [Psalms 50:21].

These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. [1 Timothy 4:2]. They seek to enter Heaven. They knock at God’s door. They pray and call upon the name of the Lord. [Matthew 7:21]. They take Communion. They say to Me, “Lord, Lord. They prophesize in My name. They cast out devils in My name.  They do many wonderful works in My name, yet they perish. What a terrible day that is going to be for so many people who believe they lived good lives and should be allowed into Heaven. [Proverbs 14:12].

The Bible clearly states you must: Repent and Believe the Gospel, Forsake all Sin, and Obey God’s Word. [John 3:3,7, 36; John 5:24; John 6:28-29]. So, follow Jesus command: so that you may enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” [Matthew 7:13–14]. For many are called, but few are chosen. [Matthew 22:14].

Then I heard the number of the sealed, 144,000, sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: 12,000 from the tribe of Judah were sealed, 12,000 from the tribe of Reuben, 12,000 from the tribe of Gad, 12,000 from the tribe of Asher, 12,000 from the tribe of Naphtali, 12,000 from the tribe of Manasseh, 12,000 from the tribe of Simeon, 12,000 from the tribe of Levi, 12,000 from the tribe of Issachar, 12,000 from the tribe of Zebulun, 12,000 from the tribe of Joseph, 12,000 from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed. [Revelation 7:4-8].

I Tell You; The Only Thing Worse Than Being Lost and Going to Hell is Being lost and Going to Hell, Thinking You Were Going to Heaven.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

The California Commission on Aging (CCoA) has published a Housing Policy Brief  that offers recommendations for reducing housing insecurity and homelessness among older adults in California.

The brief summarizes a more in-depth report titled “Housing Those Hardest Hit: Addressing Older Adult Homelessness.” It also includes seven actionable recommendations to mitigate older adult homelessness in three settings: permanent housing, independent housing, and assisted living.“Expanding housing capacity across all settings in the older adult continuum of care is critical as our state confronts the pressing issues of housing insecurity and homelessness among older adults,” stated CCoA Executive Director Karol Swartzlander.

“The need is urgent, and the time to act is now,” she emphasized.

The CCoA serves as the principal advocating body for older Californians, and it administers programs that support and celebrate Californians as they age. In addition, the CCoA advises the Governor and Legislature, along with state, federal, and local agencies on programs and services that affect older adults in the state.From 2017 to 2022, the number of adults aged 55-64 who accessed homelessness services across California increased by over 90%, while the number of adults over 65 in the state, overall, increased by over 166% – exceeding any other age group, according to the report.

According to CCoa, the commission blends housing solutions within a comprehensive continuum of care, presenting policymakers with targeted strategies that accommodate the diverse housing and supportive service needs of older adults.

Efforts to address homelessness is now one of CCoA’s top priorities, says Swartzlander.  “The need is urgent, and the time to act is now,” she added.

In 1990, 11% of the homeless population was over the age of 50 while in 2023 older adults represented nearly half of the state’s homeless population.  Among this population, 41% first experienced homelessness after the age of 50.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s annual Point-in-Time Count, 38,028 adults aged 55 and older experienced homelessness in California in 2023. Furthermore, the report stated that 41% first experienced homelessness after the age of 50.

Former Assemblymember Cheryl Brown (D-San Bernardino), who just completed a six-year term as chairperson of the CCoA, said there must be policies in place to “remedy the problem” of older adults becoming homeless in the state.

The lack of accessible and available housing, health-related behaviors, medical problems, social isolation, and limited resources are some of the root causes of homelessness and poverty among aging Californians. Speaking on own her behalf — not representing CCoA — Brown said more alternatives for affordable housing and services would provide a much-needed safety net for older adults in the state.

“We need to go back to square one and come up with some policies that would help older adults have options,” Brown said. “It’s a tragedy that these people have paid into the system (taxes, social security), and did it the right way, and they still need these services.”

In the policy brief, the CCoA presents seven recommendations to mitigate aging adult homelessness. They are exploring a statewide subsidy for older adults at-risk of homelessness; developing a state homeshare program; expanding ministerial approval for smaller assisted living facilities; reforming housing laws; expanding assisted living waivers; and funding community care suggestions.

For the last five years, homelessness among African Americans nationally and in California has seen a continued uptick. Black Californians are disproportionately likely to experience homelessness, according to the California Budget and Policy Center (Budget Center).

Black Californians roughly consist of 5% of the state’s population. However, they comprised over 1 in 4 unhoused people who made contact with a homelessness service provider during the 2021-22 fiscal year, according to the Budget Center’s “Who Is Experiencing Homelessness In California?” report.

“Long-standing racist policies and practices have also

concentrated marginalized communities in undervalued occupations, increasing their economic insecurity which is a primary driver of experiencing homelessness,” the March 2023 Budget Center report stated.  “We see this today as people of color are largely pushed into lower-paying occupations, the first to lose their jobs during economic downturns, and experience the highest rates of unemployment.”

According to the 2020 Profile of African Americans Age 65 or Older, the African American population age 65 and older was 4,979,133 in 2019 and is projected to grow to 12.1 million by 2060.

Overall, numerous factors contribute to the increase in older adult homelessness. Scattered employment, low-wage employment, and time serving as a family caregiver, result in low wages throughout significant working years.

“As state and federal policymakers consider choices that will affect California’s unhoused and vulnerable communities, it is important to understand the unique housing, economic, and health conditions older unhoused adults face,” the Budget Center reported. “By doing so, policymakers can act on proven policies and interventions that can help solve homelessness among older adults.”