Black futures depend on well-resourced schools and thriving communities

To have a truly prosperous future for California, our Black students and communities must thrive. The Schools & Communities First initiative is a once in a generation opportunity to help address structural inequities that have plagued communities throughout the state for decades.

Black and other communities of color have been hit the hardest by decades of disinvestment from schools and local services, all while corporations have exploited property tax loopholes to avoid paying their fair share. These communities in particular stand to gain by reclaiming $12 billion every year for our classrooms and neighborhoods.

In honor of Black History and Black Futures month, the 100+ Black Leaders for Schools & Communities First is comprised of some of the state’s most prominent and important Black figures, including educators, clergy, youth activists, small business entrepreneurs, non-profit directors, workplace leaders, philanthropists, and elected officials. Black futures depend on reclaiming the resources we all need to thrive, and to build a future for California that we can all be proud of.

“Right now, our schools and local communities face structural roadblocks to delivering on the promise of a world-class education and safe, healthy neighborhoods – corporations have avoided paying their fair share for years while school funding has fallen farther and farther behind. The Schools & Communities First initiative would reclaim $12 billion every year for our schools and local communities by closing corporate property tax loopholes.” – Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction

“We’ve made a lot of progress in our city, but there’s still much more work to be done. We can’t afford to continue allowing corporations to avoid paying their fair share while our students and neighborhoods struggle to get by.” – Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs

“I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact 40 years of disinvestment has had on communities of color and our schools. Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE) was founded for a very specific reason: to leverage the strength of religious leaders to protect and revitalize our communities that we live, work, and worship in. That’s why our organization supports Schools & Communities First.” – Pastor Samuel Casey, Founder and Executive Director of Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE)

Stop Unjust Financial Burdens on African-Americans and Others

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., NNPA President/CEO

It is a serious financial problem that far too many African-Americans – from impoverished individuals to working-class families – face these days in the bewilderingly complicated health-care market: Getting hit with an unexpected bill after a hospital stay or visit to the emergency room. 

Known as “surprise medical billing,” these unexpected costs arise when a patient goes to a hospital for emergency or non-emergency care, only to find out afterwards that one of the medical providers who administered care was not covered in the patient’s insurance network. 

This outrageous situation benefits one group and one group alone: powerful insurance executives, who have managed to get off the financial hook for such bills, even as insurers shrink insurance coverage networks to wring more and more profits out of the system. But this predatory practice is overwhelming to a family already dealing with the emotional and financial burdens of a medical crisis, typically adding thousands of dollars in unexpected expenses that can wipe out savings accounts or otherwise strain tight household budgets. So, what can be done to stop and end surprise medical billing? 

The good news is that both Republicans and Democrats in Congress agree that legislation is needed to protect patients against unexpected medical charges. But as with many complicated issues confronting Congress, lawmakers have been divided on the details of such legislation. Part of the paralysis in Congress stems from confusion and disinformation, as insurance executives and their allies try to frame the debate to their advantage. When Congress tried to address the issue last year, for example, the insurance lobbying machine swung into action, attempting to place the blame for surprise bills on out-of-network medical providers who end up having to charge patients when insurers refuse to cover a medical bill. 

Big insurance almost got its way in that legislative debate when a handful of lawmakers threw support behind a legislative proposal that would shield insurance companies from paying what they ought to pay. The legislation, championed by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), specifically called for setting benchmarked rates for out-of-network medical providers. But far from solving the problem, this approach would make matters worse. It not only frees insurers from their responsibilities. It fails to compensate providers for the cost of the care that they actually provide. And that, in turn, means either patients will get stuck with the bill or medical providers will have to absorb big losses that ultimately jeopardize their ability to stay in business. 

Fortunately, the proposed bill stalled after the medical community warned that the benchmarked rate favored by the insurance industry would allow insurers to exert a new troubling level of control over health-care prices and the larger health-care delivery system. Now, as Congress begins to take up the issue once again, health insurance companies that evaded significant scrutiny last year seem to be drawing close scrutiny now, both inside and outside of Washington. Speaking to a group of faith leaders and policymakers in South Carolina, an important stop for the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, Reverend Al Sharpton criticized the surprise medical billing legislation backed by insurers and stressed the urgent need to deal with the continued lack of access to adequate health insurance coverage for minority communities. 

“Washington is getting it wrong,” he wrote in an opinion piece published after his South Carolina trip, adding that the bill introduced by “Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) to `solve’ the surprise billing problem would literally insulate insurance companies from covering these costs, at a time when profits for insurance companies have reached record highs.” 

In the U.S. House of Representatives, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal (D-Ma.) predicted that health insurers would do little more than look out for their own interest if they were given the authority to set rates for out-of-network providers. “My concern with giving too much weight to such a benchmark rate is that we already know insurers are looking for any way they can to pay the least amount possible,” he said.

“They will work to push those rates down, regardless of what it means for community providers like physicians, hospitals, and our constituents who they employ.” 

There were similar concerns in the U.S. Senate, where Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) warned that insurers began gaming the system in California once benchmarking rates became the law of the land in that state in 2016. 

“Insurance companies cancel contracts and then they have the negotiating power and they establish” their own rate, he said, adding that such benchmarking of rates would likely put hospitals “out of business.” 

It’s worth noting that lawmakers are raising such concerns despite the considerable backing the insurance-industry legislation has had from two powerful lawmakers: Senator Alexander, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; and Frank Pallone, the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, whose jurisdiction includes health care issues. More than that, Senator Cassidy introduced legislation that would eliminate surprise medical billing by establishing an arbitration system between insurers and providers — rather than sticking the disputed medical charges to patients. And that legislation is gaining strong bipartisan support, as is a similar bill in the House that is being advanced Representatives Representative Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) and Representative Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.), both of whom are doctors. Surprise medical billing is a problem we can no longer ignore, particularly at a time when roughly two-thirds of Americans say that they are concerned about their ability to pay for an unexpected medical expense for themselves or for a family member.

And this practice it is especially hard on African Americans and other people of color in the U.S. who already face significant barriers to health care and who generally receive lower quality of care than the rest of the nation. Congress has an opportunity to make things right by ending the practice of surprise medical billing. Black Americans and all others in America shouldn’t be saddled with exorbitant bills that they had no reason to expect – and that impose an unjust financial burden.

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Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) representing the Black Press of America. He can be reached at dr.bchavis@nnpa.org.

Early voting for the March 3 presidential primary election will be available at four locations in Riverside County. Early voting is available Friday, Feb. 21 through Sunday, Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Galleria at Tyler in Riverside, on the first floor near Nordstrom’s; at the Westfield Palm Desert on the first floor across from Express; and at the Promenade in Temecula on the first floor near the Macy’s Women’s Store.

Early voting is also available at the Registrar of Voters office Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22 and Feb. 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The registrar’s office at 2720 Gateway Drive in Riverside is open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Registered voters may attend any of the early voting sites to either drop off a vote-by-mail ballot or vote on an accessible voting unit.

Early voting provides access to voters who are unable to make it to the polls on Election Day and to those who would like their vote to be among the first counted on Election Night. Voters are encouraged to cast ballots as soon as possible so they can be included in the first Election Night results, which will be posted shortly after 8 p.m. on March 3.

Call the registrar’s office at (951) 486-7200 if you have any questions about your eligibility to vote.

Important information regarding the presidential primary election:

Your right to vote in the presidential primary depends on your political party registration. If you are registered with a political party, you can only vote for a candidate running for president in that party.  A “No Party Preference” voter will automatically receive a non-partisan ballot, that will have no presidential candidates listed. However, upon request, a “No Party Preference” voter can instead receive a ballot to vote the presidential ballot of the following parties:

American Independent Party          Democratic Party         Libertarian Party

More voter information is available at www.voteinfo.net.

ONTARIO, CA— Southern California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT) today welcomed news that Frontier Airlines will begin nonstop service to Seattle in June, the sixth new route the carrier is adding to its ONT schedule this year.

According to Frontier, the airline will launch service between ONT and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on June 2^nd with flights scheduled three days a week – Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The route will be flown with Airbus A320 aircraft equipped with 186 passenger seats. Tickets are available for sale immediately.

“We pride ourselves on becoming a low-cost airport and our approach is proving to be attractive to our airline partners,” said Mark Thorpe, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA). “Ontario has capacity to grow which is advantageous to carriers adding new aircraft and our hallmark no-hassle experience continues to appeal to our traveling customers.”

“We’re proud to lead the unprecedented growth in air service from Ontario and further expand our network to nine routes from ONT with new nonstop flights to Seattle,” said Daniel Shurz, senior vice president of commercial for Frontier Airlines. “Ontario International Airport’s convenience paired with Frontier’s low fares and friendly service have proven to be a combination for success and we look forward to enhancing our valued partnership.”

In addition to Seattle, Frontier previously announced plans for new nonstop service to Las Vegas, Newark and Miami beginning in April, as well as San Salvador in May and Guatemala City in June.

Frontier currently operates from Terminal 2 at ONT with flights to Denver, Orlando, Austin and San Antonio.

Ontario has been the fastest-growing airport in the U.S. for the past two years, according to the trade journal Global Traveler. Total passenger volume increased more than 9% in 2019 and 12.4% in 2018.

LOS ANGELES, CA—- The Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) wrapped its 12-day marathon of offerings from around the Diaspora.  It celebrated its 28^th anniversary in grand style with a string of highly-anticipated films, which included a comedy by the multi-hyphenated host and entertainer Nick Cannon; a feature, executive produced by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal; plus, a special screening of the action-packed series, “Queen Sono,” out of South Africa, presented by Netflix along with a wedding! The festival was held from February 11 – 23, 2020 at the Cinemark 15 Theatres, located at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in Los Angeles. 

PAFF is the largest Black film festival in the United States and the largest Black History Month cultural event in the nation. Here are the festival stats: PAFF has selected a record-breaking 225 film, representing 52 countries in 26 languages – that is, 86 feature films; 128 short films and 11 new media selection. Plus, ArtFest will feature more than 100 fine artists from around the world. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has designated PAFF as an official qualifying film festival for live action and animation short films.

The festival has cemented its role as a hub for breakthrough and award-winning Black films and filmmakers from around the world. PAFF is dedicated to the cinematic promotion and cultural exploration of peoples of African descent. It is PAFF’s goal to present and showcase the broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images and help destroy negative stereotypes. PAFF believes film and art can lead to better understanding and foster communication between peoples of diverse cultures, races, ethnicities, and lifestyles in an entertaining way.

The festival handed out a variety of juried prizes, including Best Narrative Feature, Best First Feature Film, Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short, and Best Narrative Short as well as audience favorite awards during an awards ceremony at the close of the festival.

In honor of the late actress and co-founder Ja’Net Dubois, who unexpectedly passed away during the festival, prizes were re-named in her honor. Dubois was best known for her role as Willona in the TV series, “Good Times.” 

And so, without further ado, here’s a list of winners from the Pan African Film Festival. 

AND THE WINNERS ARE …

Best Feature Narrative Award

The Mercy of the Jungle (Rwanda) Directed by Joël Karekezi

Honorable mention

Knuckle City (South Africa) Directed by Jahmil X.T. Qubeka

Best First Feature Narrative Award

A Taste of Our Land (Uganda) Directed by Yuhi Amuli

Honorable Mention

Mr. Weekend (US) Directed by McKenzie Woodward

Best Documentary Award

One Child Left Behind: The Untold Atlanta Cheating Scandal (US) Directed by Jodi Gomes

Honorable Mention

PUSHOUT: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools (US) Directed by Jacoba Atlas

Best Short Narrative Award

White Gold (South Africa) Directed by Luke Bradford

Honorable mention

My Father Belize (Belize) Directed by Leon Lozano

Programmers’ Best Narrative Feature

She Ball (US) Directed by Nick Cannon

Programmers’ Best Short Narrative

Sixteen Thousand Dollars (US) Directed by Symone Baptiste

Programmers’ Best Documentary Award

parTy boi: black diamonds in ice castles (US) Directed by Micheal Rice

Programmers’ Best First Feature Narrative Award (Tie)

Coming From Insanity (Nigeria) Directed by Akinyemi Sebastian Akinropo

Gonarezhou The Movie (Zimbabwe) Directed by Sydney Taivavashe

Special Programmers’ Award

The Cuban (Canada/Cuba) Directed by Sergio Navarretta

Ja’Net Feature Narrative Award

HERO – Inspired By The Extraordinary Life & Times of Mr. Ulric Cross (Canada/Trinidad and Tobago/Ghana/UK) Directed by Frances-Anne Solomon

Ja’Net Short Narrative Award

Code_Switch (US) Directed by Sigin Ojulu

Ja’Net Documentary Award

My Friend Fela (Brazil/Nigeria) Directed by Joel Zito Araújo

Ja’Net First Feature Narrative Award

Zulu Wedding (South Africa) Directed by Lineo Sekeleoane

Special Ja’Net Award

Foster Boy (US) Directed by Youssef Delara

Submitted by Tanay A. Colon

On the day of the most important election of our times, stands an individual long overdue for appointment to our legislative branch. We as a people have continuously nominated and appointed to our government learned individuals that lack the real-world experience necessary to relate to the hardships of the average citizen.

When we talk about the following issues; homelessness, recidivism, low income, bullying, discrimination, healthcare cost, and the increase of criminal activity it would be nice if that person ‘personally’ related to our grievances.

Eugene Weems, a Former Prisoner who served over 17 years in the Department of Corrections has regained the trust of the community. He has fully committed himself to his church, restored his life as a trusted member of society, co-founded and organized Vibrant Green for Vibrant Peace. He leads an outreach program designed to facilitate positive growth and good life choices with “at-risk-youth”.

Eugene Weems is a man of action. He plans to work towards making our neighborhoods safe and prosperous again. He will be the leading voice to ensure the people receive the care and benefits they were promised as Americans. The time is NOW for career politicians to find another seat, because REAL CITIZENS like Eugene Weems, will speak, fight, and participate in legislation for you!

Weems said, “Make Your Next Move …Your Best Move” Let’s do just that right now and storm the polls to VOTE for “Write-In” Candidate Eugene Weems for U.S. Representative District 31.

LOS ANGELES, CA—- Visionary founder of The Diaspora Dialogues Koshie Mills is bringing together hundreds of black women from around the world to celebrate sisterhood at the 3rd Annual International Women of Power Luncheon in Los Angeles.

The event will be held at the Arbat Banquet Hall on Saturday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The star-studded event will also host over 300+ African American and African women for an elegant afternoon with Champagne cocktail reception, 3-Course Luncheon, Live performances, Awards presentation and a few surprises. 

This year’s theme is centered around women who are Innovators and Change Agents in Entertainment, Business, Fashion, Music, Beauty and Diaspora.

Confirmed & Invited Honorees, Presenters, Performers, Host include Amara La Negra (Love & Hip Hop Miami),Kimberly Paige (Chief Marketing Officer BET Networks), ILwad Elman (2019 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee),Normani (American Musical Artist), Tiffany Pearsons (Founder, Shine On Sierra Leone), Tracee Ellis Ross(ABC’s Black-ish), Lisa Leslie (WNBA Champion), Angela Bassett (Black Panther), Cynthia Erivo (Oscar Nominee, Harriet), Kelly Rowland (Music Artist), Lynn Whitfield (OWN’s Greenleaf), Stacy Barthe (Singer-Songwriter for artists: Nipsy Hustle, Beyonce), Logan Laurice (Dear White People), Bresha Webb (A Fall From Grace), Folake Olowofoyeku (Bob Hearts Abishola), Megalyn Echikunwoke (Almost Family; A&E’s “Damien”; “Night School”), Rosario Dawson (Jane The Virgin; Luke Cage), Cree Summers (Actress), Antonique Smith(Marvel’s Luke Cage), Gina Yashere (Co-Creator, Writer, Producer of CBS’s Bob Hearts Abishola), Gabrielle Dennis (Bobby Brown Story).

For ticket information visit www.IWOP2020.eventbrite.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Sponsored by We Are the Change SB, SB Food Fest will be back for its monthly debut in appreciation of Black History Month on Saturday, February 22, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. SB Food Fest is rapidly becoming the newest food festival frenzy in the Inland Empire as it provides a fun and family friendly experience. Held in the heart of the historical downtown of San Bernardino, SB Food Fest is coming back this month stronger than ever with over 25 vendors in food, retail, art, live performances, and a guaranteed one-hundred percent level of fun.

From the very beginning, SB Food Fest’s purpose has always been centered on the intent to celebrate community through integration of different cultures, food, music, and art. The upcoming Appreciation of Black History SB Food Fest event will be no different as it will feature the rich culture and historical achievements of the black community. The strength, resilience, and love ever so present in black history will be demonstrated through art by artists such as Artell Humillion, Marcus’ Art, and Michah Amaro Art.  Live performers will include J.A.M and Eric DeVaugn. Those in attendance will have a variety of food options to choose from ranging from snacks to desserts including Lean Kreations, Farm Fresh to You, Le Frites Gourmet Fry Shop, Hawkins Burgers, Sunny Jays Italian Ice, and many more. The festival of course would not be complete without the crafts and charm delicacies that local vendors such as Southern Charm Jewelry, GM Petite, and LMK Designs will provide.

SB Food Fest is most excited to have the Inland Empire community partake of a fun, family-friendly and safe night out. It is an event that anyone can attend and includes FREE admission, as well as free parking. Enthusiasm is shared by all as SB Food Fest strives to revitalize the community of San Bernardino and the downtown scene for locals and visitors alike.

SB Food Fest also looks forward to adding more vendors, performances and art for future events. For more information, visit www.sbfoodfest.com.

By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach

SAN DIEGO, CA—- Nearly two years ago, Seaman Percy Williams joined the Navy because his older brother was joining at the time and he did not know if he wanted to go to college. Now, he is serving aboard the USS Boxer.

Williams is an operations specialist who is responsible for collecting and processing tactical data and displaying it for the ship and aircraft to see.

“My favorite part about the job is being important, being vigilant and always being aware of what is going on,” said Williams.

Williams is a 2018 Grand Terrace High School graduate and native of San Bernardino, California.

According to Williams, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Bernardino.

“San Bernardino taught me teamwork is essential for the mission to be completed,” said Williams.

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Boxer is an amphibious assault ship that has recently returned from a Western Pacific-Indian Ocean-Persian Gulf deployment. It is the sixth ship to carry the name Boxer.

Amphibious assault ships are used to transfer Marines, equipment and supplies and can support helicopters or other aircraft. They also are capable of accessing 75% of the world’s beaches.

According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.

“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Williams is most proud of finishing his first deployment successfully.

“It is not really an easy task,” said Williams. “Deployment brings a lot of stress and negativity and it is hard to stay positive. However, I did a good job of staying positive and focusing on the task at hand.”

For Williams, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Williams hopes to continue.

“My uncle was in the Navy, great uncle was in the Air Force, another great uncle served 20 years in the Navy, my sister is in the Army, and my cousin is station in Lemoore, California,” said Williams. “Everyone in the military has different stories so when I joined I was able to create my own story to be able to tell them.”

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Williams, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“Serving in the Navy means being a part of something bigger than myself,” said Williams.

By Michael Vallante, U.S. Small Business Administration’s

During Black History Month, we celebrate the achievements of African Americans and recognize the central role they, as individuals and communities, contributed to U.S. history.

At the U.S. Small Business Administration, our role is to support entrepreneurs in achieving their dream of owning a business.

We celebrate the incredible contributions that Black businesses make to their local communities and the American economy. We hear from Black businesses of the socioeconomic and capital funding challenges with starting and expanding a business.

Our goal is to work with Black entrepreneurs to overcome these entrepreneurship challenges.

When an entrepreneur starts their own business, they create new jobs in the community. In fact, small businesses generate two of every three net new jobs and deliver essential goods and services to our community.

Here are the top 10 resources that small business owners can utilize today to make their entrepreneurship dream a success:

10 SBA Resources for Entrepreneurs:

1. Funding: Starting or scaling up a business requires capital. Our online Lender Match program connects entrepreneurs with financial institutions that provide business loans backed by the SBA. SBA-Guaranteed Loans can be used for most business purposes, including operating capital and financing equipment and other long-term fixed assets.
2. Business Plan Development: Small Business Development Centers offer free, one-on-one counseling, low-cost training services, market research and more.

• Mentoring: SBA’s resources, such as SCORE provide free mentoring and education to business owners to learn from others who have been through the entrepreneurship journey. SCORE is a network of thousands of volunteer business counselors around the country who mentor and educate small business owners. SCORE provides free in-person and online counseling as well as educational workshops.
• Scaling Up their Business: SBA’s Emerging Leader’s program is a no-cost “mini MBA,” that assists entrepreneurs take their business to the next level.  We encourage entrepreneurs to reach out to their local SBA office to find where this program is being offered and apply.

• Assistance to Woman Entrepreneurs: Black women are starting their own business at record rates.  Women’s Business Centers assist women in starting and growing small businesses. They provide a full range of services for women entrepreneurs at all stages of planning, implementation and growth.

• Support to Veterans with Starting their Own Business: Boots to Business is an entrepreneurial education and training program available to active duty service members (including National Guard and Reserve), veterans and their spouses in starting or growing their business.
• Taking their Business to the International Market: Export Assistance Centers help small businesses entering the international marketplace.  Entrepreneurs can learn how to export, participate in foreign trade missions and trade shows, translate websites, and design marketing campaigns.

• Accessing Government Contracts: The Mentor-Protégé Program is designed for small businesses to learn from an experienced government contractor.  Women-owned business certification helps provide a level playing field for women business owners, as the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses certified as women-owned.

• Online Resources: SBA.gov includes online resources and information about upcoming webinars to assist entrepreneurs in overcoming common business challenges.
  
• Local Support: SBA District Offices can connect you to local SBA resources, mentors and training. Visit www.SBA.gov for more information. 

As the Regional Administrator for the Pacific Rim for SBA, and as Associate Administrator for the Office of Field Operations for our agency, SBA recognizes the contributions of the Black community, the job-creating entrepreneurs and their families for their daily sacrifice to keeping local economies thriving. We encourage you to reach out to SBA.

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Michael Vallante, U.S. Small Business Administration’s Associate Administrator for the Office of Field Operations, overseeing the 68 district offices and nine Regional Administrators; and Regional Administrator for Region IX, overseeing the agency’s programs and services in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii and Guam