By Craig J. DeLuz  | California Black Media 

The streets of America, once shrouded in shadows, are filled with the flicker of hope as Black History Month comes upon us. A time to reflect on the struggles and successes of African Americans in this great nation. But amongst the celebrations and festivities, there is one crucial aspect that often remains shrouded in the darkness of ignorance.

The Second Amendment.

It’s a delicate topic, one that is often swept under the rug and avoided during this time of year. But let’s not forget the role that this amendment has played in securing the rights and liberties of not just African Americans, but all Americans. From the Civil War through the civil rights movement and even until today, the Second Amendment has been a powerful tool in the hands of those who have fought for justice and equality.

But unfortunately, as with most things in Black history, this topic has been silenced and overshadowed. The harsh reality is that laws were put in place to keep slaves and freed Black men from obtaining firearms. And even after the Civil War, many states passed what’s known as Black Codes, intentionally designed to restrict African Americans from exercising their right to keep and bear arms.

These laws, coupled with the growing violence against African Americans, gave birth to an unlikely ally in the fight for civil rights: the NRA. Yes, you heard that right. The National Rifle Association, often portrayed as a white, racist organization, was founded by three union officers who fought for the end of slavery and the civil rights of African Americans. They recognized the need for individuals to defend themselves against the tyranny and violence of the Ku Klux Klan, as the government was not doing enough to protect them.

But as with most things that go against the status quo, there were those who were not pleased. And thus, the gun control movement was born. But make no mistake, it was not about protecting people or reducing violence. It was about keeping guns out of the hands of African Americans.

The Black Panthers, a civil rights group, understood this all too well. In the late 1960s, they called upon the American people to take note of the racist California legislature that was passing laws specifically aimed at disarming Black citizens. And just like the KKK, the inspiration for these laws came from an unlikely source: Nazi Germany. The language used in these laws was almost identical to that of the Nazi regime, showing the true intentions behind gun control.

But for some, history seems to repeat itself endlessly. As we see yet again with the rise of hate groups and acts of violence against innocent citizens, the importance of the Second Amendment cannot be understated. It was created to prevent a new government from slipping back into tyranny and to allow individuals to protect what is theirs from any threats.

And yet, even in modern times, there are those who continue to deny African Americans their Second Amendment rights. As prominent lawyer and gun rights commentator Colion Noir stated, “Dr. King would look at me with a bit of confusion as he happily struggled with me…that I, a young Black male living in the heart of the South, whose house was never firebombed and has never received death threats, was granted a concealed handgun license. Yet he who had encountered all of these things was denied.”

It’s time to shed light on the role of the Second Amendment in Black history. To educate ourselves and others on the importance of this amendment in securing not just civil rights, but all rights. Let us not be afraid to speak out and defend the Second Amendment, for it is the one that defends all others. And let us never forget the words of one man who truly understood the power of this amendment: “When you touch the Second Amendment, you can’t become more anti American, because America would not be without her guns.” – Willian Owens, President / Founder at America’s Altar.

About the Author

Craig J. DeLuz has almost 30 years in public policy and advocacy.  He is currently President of the Robla School District Board of Trustees where he has served for almost 20 years. Learn more at CraigDeLuz.com or follow him on X at @CraigDeLuz.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

“Whatever is going wrong, put your war clothes on. You might be in a daze but tell the devil he can’t have your praise. No matter the attack, you won’t turn back. This means War! He can’t have your family, he can’t have your increase, he can’t have your breakthrough, because you plead the blood of Jesus. You can’t take this lying down. Whenever the enemy’s attacking in your life, you can’t be breaking down and falling out, you gotta say, This means War!” [Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago].

Understand we are fighting a spiritual war that underlies all of man’s wars.  This battle is for the salvation of souls, for our eternal destiny. This battle is real, so put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. So, gear up, [sword, shield, and armor] and prepare for battle. This means War!

You see, Satan knows that this is his last chance to win in his battle against God, and he’s going to “pull out all the stops.” He’s going to marshal every evil human power on earth, and this grand armada will devote its vast power to achieve one purpose: the total elimination of God’s people from the face of the earth.  He is without a doubt on the warpath and ready to destroy people’s livelihood. This is serious stuff. This is not for the faint hearted or the weak-kneed. This means War! And it’s time to start acting like it! Satan is not pulling any stops. He will come at you from every direction. He got his eyes set on you. Your enemy is prepared to overtake you. According to the War in Revelation [Chapter 13 and Chapter 19], Satan will use every spiritual tool he has ever devised, especially deception and force, to get you and me to surrender our faith in Jesus. The Hell with Satan. Gear up and prepare for battle. This means war!

Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, take the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit [Ephesians 6:14-17] and know that God has given you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” [Luke 10:19]. He has given you everything you need to experience victory. The only question is: will you use what he has given you, or will you walk into battle unprepared and exposed to the enemy’s attacks?

I pray that as a result of today’s message you will be encouraged to prepare for spiritual battle every day. And I pray that you will take advantage of these tools God has given you to fight the enemy and win the victory. Gear Up!

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death”. [Revelation 12:11]

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey, and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media 

Closing out a month of Black History Month events, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) honored 12 Californians with its “Unsung Hero” award during a ceremony held at the State Capitol on February 26.

The awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to civic life within each CLBC member’s district.

Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) presided over the ceremony and presented a resolution on the Assembly floor celebrating the extraordinary work the award recipients are doing in their respective communities.

“The CLBC created the Unsung Hero Awards in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – to celebrate those who embody his philosophy and ideas,” said Jones-Sawyer, a member of CLBC. “We continue this tradition with this distinguished group of individuals.”

This list of honorees included city of Fairfield librarian Mychael Threets (Assemblymember Lori Wilson, D-Suisun City), Treehouse’s CEO and founder of Prophet Walker (Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, D- Ladera Heights), Young and Prosper Foundation’s Chris Jones (Assemblymember Akilah Weber, D-La Mesa), Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce’s President Cathy Adams (Assemblymember Mia Bonta, D-Alameda), and Los Angeles Unified School District’s Government Affairs advisor Carolyn Fowler (Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, D-Inglewood).

Awards were also given to  Brother 2 Brother At-risk Mentoring and Gang Prevention’s co-founder Mervin Brookins (Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento), KBLA Radio 1580 talk show Host Dominique DiPrima (Reggie Jones Sawyer, D-Los Angeles)), California Justice and member of the California Supreme Court Leondra R. Kruger (Assemblymember Chris Holden, D-Pasadena), Vice Chair of Compton Unified School District’s Board of Education Dr. Ayanna Davis (Assemblymember Mike Gipson, D-Carson), and Moreno Valley youth advocate Kymberly Taylor (Assemblymember Corey Jackson, D-Moreno Valley).

On the Senate side, Dr. Thomas Parham, the 11th President of California State University Dominguez Hills, was honored (Sen. Steven Bradford, D-Inglewood). His wife Davida Parham accepted the award on his behalf. Fran Jemmott, founder of California Black Women’s Health Project and the Jemmott Rollins Group, was escorted to the Assembly floor for her award by Assemblymember Bryan, who stood in for Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles).

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Hanchar, Navy Office of Community Outreach

SAN DIEGO, CA – Petty Officer 2nd Class Rey Calvillo, a native of San Bernardino, California, serves the U.S. Navy aboard USS Tripoli operating out of San Diego.

Calvillo graduated from Vista High School in 2018.

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

“I have learned from a young age to not take things personally and not live in the past,” said Calvillo.

“We work in a fast pace and sometimes dangerous environment where things can be misinterpreted, but it is important to know we all care for each other aboard the ship and just want to keep each other safe.”

“I joined the Navy to learn new technical skills I could use for life as well as a career where I could travel and see the world,” said Calvillo.

“The sailors who make up Team Tripoli really are the best the Navy has to offer,” said Capt. Gary Harrington, commanding officer of Tripoli. “We say it all the time, our Navy is nothing without the men and women who serve on the deckplates each and every day. I truly believe that the continued success of our Navy, and Tripoli specifically, is due in no small part to the contributions of our sailors.”

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

“Serving in the Navy provides me with a career as well as family and friends that will last a lifetime,” said Calvillo. “The Navy provides its sailors with a work/life balance and the peace of mind, knowing I will always have a roof over my head and three meals a day.”

“I would like to thank my mom, Kristina, for her support of everything I do,” added Calvillo. “She is my biggest champion and I can always count on her.”

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

The process the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) promised to initiate to pass a package of reparations bills began Feb. 26, on the Assembly floor at the State Capitol with the passage of Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 135.

Authored by Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), ACR 135 — or the “Human rights violations and crimes against humanity on African slaves and their descendants” — recognizes the “harms and atrocities committed by representatives of the State of California who promoted, facilitated, enforced and permitted the institution of chattel slavery,” according to the language of the resolution.

The measure was unanimously approved with a 57-0 vote on the Assembly floor.

“ACR 135 is not only a resolution to affirm the (California Reparations Task Force) report,” Weber. Said during her presentation on the Assembly floor.  “It is also meant to educate ourselves on California’s history. Ida B. Wells wrote, ‘The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.’ The reparations task force turned the light on truth, and this is laid out in ACR 135.”

The nine-member reparations task force submitted a comprehensive 1,075-page report to the Legislature on June 28, 2023. The report contains the panel’s findings from a two-year study that involved investigations of harms, testimonies from community members, and up to 115 recommendations for compensation for eligible Black Californians.

On January 31, the CLBC announced the introduction of the 2024 Reparations Priority Bill Package, which includes 14 pieces of legislation that represents the first step in a multi-year effort to implement the legislative recommendations in the report.

ACR 15 was among the list of considerations.

Regarding the passage of significant legislation related to reparations for Black Californians, Weber is following in her mother’s footsteps.

Her mother, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, authored AB 3121, the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans, as an Assemblymember representing the 79^th District. This legislation was the first-in-the-nation bill created at the state level to study and recommend redress for past injustices against the descendants of African people enslaved in the United States.

During the announcement of the rollout of the bills on Feb. 21, CLBC Chair, Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), said the package was part of “30 reparations bills” the Black lawmakers are developing. A bill requesting a formal apology from the Governor and the Legislature for California’s historical injustices against African Americans is next in line, Wilson said.

The passage of ACR 135 will officially open discussions about reparations, Wilson said.

“This year’s legislative package tackles a wide range of issues from criminal justice reforms to property rights to education, civil rights, and food justice,” Wilson stated. “The Caucus is looking to make strides in the second half of this legislative session as we build towards righting the wrongs of California’s past in future sessions.”

Before the vote, members from the CLBC spoke about the significance of the report, educating their colleagues about the issues that affected the Black community after slavery, and the task ahead to get the reparations bills to the Governor’s desk.

The members of the CLBC that spoke on the floor were Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D- Ladera Heights), Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Riverside), Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D- Los Angeles), Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), and Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento).

Other members of the Assembly body shared their sentiments about ACR 135 as well.

Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-Highland), the first Native American elected to the California Legislature, expressed his support for the bill.

“The consequences of those 246 years of slavery and a 100 of segregation still plague African Americans today, and indeed plagues all Americans today,” said Ramos. “It is a history of trauma that still needs to come to light to make sure we can overcome and start the healing process – not only in our nation but here also in the state of California. During those times of slavery, bondage and oppression, many African Americans fled that type of treatment to find solitude with Native American tribes.”

Assemblymember Bill Essayli (R-Corona) condemned the state’s dark past.

“I rise in commendation of racial discrimination and the despicable indefensible treatment of Black Californians in our state’s early years,” Essayli said. “But I also rise as a proud Californian and believe that despite the bleak history of our early days our state has often been at the forefront of the fight for racial equality.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Time for Change Foundation’s (TFCF) 22nd Anniversary Awards Gala will honor outstanding individuals and organizations that go above and beyond for our communities and continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

Bobby Wagner, a football player of the NFL, will be honored with the Philanthropist of the Year Award for his outstanding dedication as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and investor. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Ontario, CA, Bobby Wagner was drafted 47th overall in the 2012 NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks. Quickly excelling on the field, Bobby won a Super Bowl in 2013, and throughout his career, has earned nine Pro-Bowl selections, six First-Team All-Pros, four- Second Team All-Pros, a 2010 NFL All-Decade Team, the Seattle Seahawks Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee (2x) and the Art Rooney Sportsmanship award. He currently leads all active players in total tackles.

Bobby’s passion to promote stroke education and assist stroke patients has led to a partnership with the American Heart & Stroke Association, as well as the creation of the Phenia Mae Fund in partnership with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Cedar Sinai, and Kaiser Permanente. Additionally, Bobby has worked closely with several organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club of King County, Time for Change Foundation and HBCUs, to advocate for health and wellness, education, and child development.

“We appreciate the heart behind Bobby’s giving which is why we chose to honor him at this year’s gala,” said Vanessa Perez, Executive Director, “his support to his local community is helping single mothers provide a stable home for their children, that’s priceless!”

Other Award Honorees include:

Dawn Downs at Symbiosis with the Businesswoman of the Year Award, Laurena Bolden at San Manuel Band of Mission Indians with the Community Champion Award, Dr. Rita (Faridah) Ali from We 2 Matter with the Humanitarian Award, Rev. George Lamb at F.A.C.C.T with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Kellie Todd Griffin at CA Black Women’s Collective with the Michelle Obama Courage Award, Pastor Craig Hadley from Paradox Church with the Nancy Varner Angel Award, and Rialto ROTC with the Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award.

Time for Change Foundation’s 22nd Anniversary Awards Gala will be held on Friday, April 19th, 2024, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario, California at 6:00 p.m. PST. To support the work of Time for Change Foundation, you can become a sponsor, purchase an ad in the event program book, or purchase a Gala ticket.

To register for the event or to become a sponsor and increase your business’s visibility in the community, please visit our website at www.TimeForChangeFoundation.org, or contact Florence White at (909) 886-2994 or by email at fwhite@timeforchangefoundation.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino has announced that Andrea E. Russell has joined its leadership team as its new Human Resources and Risk Management Director.

“Andrea Russell has demonstrated her diverse and distinguished human resources experience in her time with the city,” said City Manager Charles Montoya. “Her background in recruitment will play an important role as San Bernardino continues to strategically hire additional staff.”

Russell joined San Bernardino in June 2023 as a Supervising Human Resources Analyst and has been serving as the Interim Human Resources and Risk Management Director since January. Prior to joining the city, Russell was a Human Resources Advisor to multiple public sector agencies in the areas of recruitment and candidate selection, applicant tracking systems administration, and employee classification and compensation.

“I am honored to serve the City of San Bernardino as Director of Human Resources and Risk Management,” said Russell. “This is an exciting time for the city, and I look forward to contributing to its success.”

Prior to consulting, Russell spent over 20 years in human resources for local government agencies, including with the County of San Bernardino and cities of Covina, Riverside, and Henderson (Nevada). While at the County, she led their classification and compensation process; overhauled the recruitment processes from requisition to hire; implemented innovative off-site hiring events; and worked with union representatives.

Russell holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Nevada State University, and a master’s degree in human resources management from Capella University.

The Human Resources and Risk Management Director is responsible for the planning, organization, direction, implementation of San Bernardino’s City-wide human resources and risk management programs. This includes recruitment, employment, classification, compensation, employee relations, training and development, performance evaluation, benefits, and workers’ compensation for the City’s 879 employees.

Russell replaces Suzie Soren, who was promoted to Deputy City Manager in January.

By Kellie Todd Griffin | Special to California Black Media Partners

This is a year of opportunity for Black women in Politics in California. Voters of all races across this state must collectively seize this moment to affect the kind of transformative change we are all hoping to see.

Here’s why.

We have an unprecedented number of Black Women running for office throughout the state. Whether they’re running at the local or state level, or for a congressional or U.S. Senate seat, behind the candidacy of each, one stands a powerful tale a of triumph – an inspiring story showing how determination, commitment to service and moral intelligence consistently defeat racism and sexism.

Their journeys running for office take them directly through the cultural and political barbs of race and gender, which are, far too often, concealed — but no less dangerous.

Without fail, Black Women running for office find their accomplishments, their public images, and their ideas in the crosshairs of scrutiny and skepticism, much more than their White male and female competitors.

Nevertheless, we must continue to run because there is so much work to do for Black Women and girls! California has the fifth largest Black population in the country with more than 2.2 million residents, according to the US Census data. Of those, 51% are female. In the golden state, approximately 67% of Black households are headed by single mothers. In the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute’s Quality of Life public opinion survey that polled more than 1,200 Black Women in the state, we found that nearly 2 in 5 Black Women work multiple jobs and face significant challenges meeting basic expenses. Among Black Women who are employed, two thirds are considered primary breadwinners in their households.

Although Black Women in California have one of the smallest populations, they disproportionately contribute to the labor force in the state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that among adult Women in California, Black Women (60.6%) were more likely to participate in the labor force than were Asian Women (58.8%), Latinas (58.2%), and White Women (56.4%). In addition, Black women only hold 4% of the bachelor’s degrees obtained by California women. Regardless of educational attainment, Black Women overall make less than their Black male and White female counterparts. Black Women in California are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to other racial and ethnic groups. The rate of life-threatening childbirth complications is highest among Black women. Black girls have the lowest high school graduation rate and highest dropout rate than their female counterparts in the state. An analysis by researchers at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health shows that Black girls aged 10-14 in California experience disproportionate injuries at the hands of law enforcement, 6.7 times the rate for White girls in the same age group. Homicides of Black females in the state have nearly doubled in recent years, according to FBI data.

These disparity gaps must be addressed. Without immediate interventions, we’re not going to be able to change the trajectory of California’s Black females. There is clearly a need for policy and practice transformation that center around Black Women and girls. Black Women policymakers have historically been at the forefront of the change we have achieved in this area.

Black women have contributed immeasurably to creating California policy. Whether it is the late Gwen Moore, former Assemblymember and Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, who created the state law that required supermarkets to have bathrooms to help mothers, or Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), who created the California Violence Against Women Act.  Or whether its Oakland City Councilmember Treva Reid, who fought to get the Ebony Alert passed, or L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, who authored the CROWN Act as a state lawmaker, Black Women have supported policies that improve the lives of California’s Black women. These advances, in turn, improve the lives of all women in the state, as well as all Californians.

Coretta Scott King stated “Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul.” Black Women have been the soul that drives the spirit of California. When our voice is lifted and when we are driving the conversation, meaningful progress happens.

This upcoming election on March 5 is your opportunity to vote for a Black Woman. Don’t miss this moment to continue the change we need!

About the Author

Kellie Todd Griffin is the President & CEO of the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute.

CHARLOTTE, NC – With significant gains in education, employment, and entrepreneurs, African American women emerged as leaders in Black homebuying, according to a report released today by the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB).

NAREB’S 2023 Women Investing in Real Estate (W.I.R.E) report found that between 1990 and 2019, Black women increased homeownership by 5.6%. Moreover, Black women ages 45-54 and over 75 had a 2.9% increase during the pandemic, the largest among Black homeowners. In early 2020, when the pandemic onset slowed homebuying, Black women fared better than men. The full report can be downloaded HERE.

“With the rise of Black women buying homes, there is hope for the future,” exclaimed Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose, NAREB’s President. “Black women are breaking down barriers in several areas, and homeownership is another example of the resilience and strength of Black women working to secure a financial foundation for themselves and their families and contributing to closing the racial wealth gap. By owning a home, Black women create paths toward long-term financial stability and a legacy for their families. Homeownership among Black women is economic empowerment and serves as a catalyst for broader community development.”   

Dr. Rose added: “As homeowners invest in their properties, neighborhood revitalization often follows, impacting local economies and fostering community pride. This upward trajectory of Black female homeownership embodies the resilience and determination to overcome historical challenges and pave the way for social and economic progress.”

Noting that Black female homebuyers rebounded faster and continued to outpace males during the economic recovery from the pandemic, the W.I.R.E report outlined the data demonstrating Black women’s growing status and strength in American society.

The advances by Black women will be celebrated at NAREB’s 2024 MidWinter Conference in Charlotte, NC, February 28 – March 2. On Friday, March 1, Dr. Rose, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, and Wells Fargo EVP Georgette Dixon will participate in “A Fireside Chat with Women of Impact” at the Marriot Charlotte City Center at 11:15 AM.

“I’m looking forward to sharing my story, the triumphs and challenges, as well as hearing from my esteemed colleagues as we go on to discuss what’s next for women leaders and entrepreneurs,” Dixon said. “Wells Fargo is excited to be a leader in this space of supporting women’s empowerment with a variety of programing through organizations like NAREB and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).”

The W.I.R.E. report documented the economic gains that have paved the way for the success being enjoyed by Black women, who are 6.3% of the nation’s population, 52% of the African American population, and 12.5% of all women. Further, 63.4% of African American women over 16 are active in the labor force, and 89.3% of Black women have graduated high school or its equivalent.

Black women are also making tremendous strides as entrepreneurs. According to recent data, businesses owned by Black women grew by 50% between 2014 and 2019, with Black Women accounting for 42% of all women who opened new businesses during that period. In 2021, 17% of Black women were in the process of starting a new business. – 7% more than White women and 2% more than White men.

The real estate industry is also witnessing a positive trend concerning diversity, with an encouraging number of Black women carving a niche for themselves in this sector.

The shift towards greater inclusivity is a win for Black women and the industry, with diverse perspectives fostering innovation and a deeper understanding of multifaceted market needs. It is widely recognized that the real estate industry has been working toward increasing diversity and inclusion within its ranks. Black women, in particular, have made strides in the field, with NAREB and others providing support and networking opportunities to encourage further representation.

“Despite these efforts, considerable work remains to be done to eliminate barriers to entry and advancement for underrepresented groups,” said Dr. Rose. “Ongoing mentorship programs and targeted educational resources are critical for equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. “In response to the W.I.R.E. report, NAREB will host a pre-conference one-day event for Black women in real estate and finance as part of their annual convention on July 31, 2024, in New Orleans, LA.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS

NAREB was formed in 1947 to secure equal housing opportunities regardless of race, creed, or color. NAREB has advocated for legislation and supported or instigated legal challenges that ensure fair housing, sustainable homeownership, and access to credit for Black Americans. Simultaneously, NAREB advocates for and promotes access to business opportunities for Black real estate professionals in each real estate discipline.  From the past to the present, NAREB remains an association proud of its history, dedicated to its chosen struggle, and unrelenting in its pursuit of the REALTIST®’s mission/vision embedded goal, “Democracy in Housing.”

By Sonya Muhammad

Communities within Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County would like to wish Mr. William Charles Walker, Sr., a very Happy 75th Birthday, as he continues into his 76th year with the same enthusiasm for life and the determination to be relevant in his community, that he had thirty or forty years ago.  Unlike Cinderella, Mr. Walker’s life story has not been a fairytale or a story for the faint at heart.  Born in Upland, California, and raised in Pomona, California, Mr. Walker was exposed to a vast variety of lifestyles with some intriguing him more than others.

The importance of decisions, choices, and taking responsibility for one’s actions are topics of interest to Mr. Walker, as he shares it was the decisions and choices made in his earlier days, that cost him 26 years of his life with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).  However, it was this experience that made him realize the seriousness of this wake-up call that demanded his immediate attention, and he recognized his survival and future were depending on his ability to navigate and master the many life lessons on the table then and now.

Every prison in the world has become proficient at robbing minds, bodies, dreams, and souls.  So, it is no small task to maintain a sense of wholeness, as one attempts to quiet the silent tears inside to restore clarity and vision.  Mr. Walker never forgot how his church and his community stood by him during his days of darkness, which was his motivation and inspiration to stand strong, so that he could one day give back to those who had given to him.

And equally, if not more importantly, Mr. Walker’s two sons, Robert and William Jr., became his reasons for living and maintaining a more purposeful life.  Mr. Walker clearly recalls the day the gates of freedom opened, and he was handed $200 to start a new life.  He remembers the promise he made to never return, and he made that promise to God in reverence of the mercy and leniency that had been extended to him, and that was a promise kept for more than thirty years and will be forever.

His word is his bond, so no matter what challenges or setbacks step onto his path, he trusts in God for the answers which always come without fail.  So in gratitude, it makes sense to do whatever he can to share his blessings with others.  777 Community Warehouse and Services was founded by Mr. Walker for the purpose of providing food, clothing, job skills and opportunities, and mentoring services for the homeless community, veterans, juveniles in distress, and people who are reintegrating back into society after various periods of time of incarceration.

777 Community Warehouse and Services, is a 501 (c )(3), nonprofit public benefit organization,  that serves as a liaison between 777 Community Warehouse and Services and other nonprofit organizations,  collaborating to distribute products to those in need and serving as a resource center for other nonprofit organizations.  Many lives have been touched by the mission and commitment of  the 777 Community Warehouse and Services team over the years, so it seems very appropriate at this time to show our appreciation for Mr. Walker’s dedicated work in the community by sending monetary gifts and donations of food, clothing, toiletries, and any items considered essential for human survival and support, in a collective celebration of Mr. Walker’s 75th anniversary of life.

Thanking everyone in advance, donations may be directed to:

Mr. William C. Walker, Sr.

777 Community Warehouse and Services

1377 South Lilac Avenue

Suite 115

Bloomington, CA.  92316