Month: May 2024
Partners Against Violence Fighting Back Against VOCA Cuts to Support Survivors of Crime
Inland Empire – Partners Against Violence (PAV), a leading organization dedicated to supporting survivors of violence, is issuing an urgent call to action in response to the devastating cuts to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding. These cuts, if not addressed, will have catastrophic consequences for our organization and, most importantly, for survivors of…
OP-ED: Will EPA’s New Regulations Enhance Sustainable Development?
By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. President and CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association By responding to the African American community’s concerns about proposed regulatory and administrative policies, the Biden-Harris Administration has proven to be a responsive champion of minority voices and interests. Take, for example, the administration’s recent reversal of its proposal to ban menthol…
Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump leads class action against Geico, alleging discriminatory practices
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire On May 7 plaintiffs in a sizable class action lawsuit against insurance giant Geico joined prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump at a press conference in the nation’s capital. The lawsuit, alleging contractual breaches regarding policy renewal commissions and accusations of unjust enrichment, represents a coalition of minority business…
Housing, Mental Health Advocates Push for November Ballot Measure
OUR WEEKLY LOS ANGELES — “Today, we stand at a critical crossroads in our county’s history,” Yvonne Wheeler, president of the L.A. County Federation of Labor, said in a statement. “We have one of two options. Either we go about business as usual, or we can do something about it. Together, we can enact solutions…
‘Take Me to the Water’ is not being sung in Flint churches
by Rev. Dorothy Boulware Residents of Flint, Michigan, still don’t drink the water. They drink bottled water. They use filters to purify the water that flows from their faucets. But after 10 full years, and much assurance from political leaders, they still don’t trust that the quality of their water — once so contaminated it…
Teacher Appreciation Week Kicks Off With New UNCF Study Finding Black Parents and Caregivers Report Better Outcomes When There are More Black Teachers at School
Black parents and caregivers report higher college aspirations for their child and fewer school suspensions when there are more Black teachers at their child’s school compared to schools with few or no Black teachers WASHINGTON, DC (May 7, 2024)—As the country celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week, UNCF (United Negro College Fund) released a groundbreaking…
San Bernardino City Unified School District Approves Ground Lease for New Fire Station in North San Bernardino
SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) announced the approval of a ground lease agreement with the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) to facilitate the construction of a new fire station intended to serve the Wildwood Park neighborhood and surrounding areas of the City of San Bernardino. This…
Gov. Newsom Presents Balanced Budget for California; Avoids Tax Hikes, Worker Furloughs
Joe W. Bowers | California Black Media On May 10, Gov. Gavin Newsom presented his annual revision of the state budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Commonly referred to as the “May Revise,” the $288 billion spending plan focuses on stringent spending cuts, improving government efficiency, streamlining procurement, cutting bureaucratic obstacles, and reducing redundancies rather…
Expect to See a New Flat Rate Fee of $24 on Your Electricity Bill
Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media Last week, members of the California Public Utilities Commission voted to approve adding a $24.15 flat fee to monthly utility bills starting next year. On May 9, the California regulators took the unanimous vote in favor of the proposal which also reduced the cost of…
American Cancer Society launches largest-ever study to probe disparities in cancer outcomes for Black women
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent (NNPA NEWSWIRE) – The American Cancer Society is embarking on an unprecedented initiative spanning 20 states, including the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, to investigate the troubling disparities in cancer survival rates among Black women. Despite overall declines in cancer deaths, Black women continue to…
Commentary: Support Early Detection Technology to Save the Lives of Black Cancer Patients
Rhonda Smith | Special to California Black Media Partners In 2008, I received news no one ever wants to hear. I was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer, with an ER/PR positive tumor type. The road to recovery was tough, taking more than a physical toll on my body. I grappled with the emotional and…
Salvation Army Week Spotlights the San Bernardino Hospitality House
REDLANDS, CA. — National Salvation Army Week runs May 13 to 19, and the San Bernardino Corps invites people to its Hospitality House Open House on May 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. “Hospitality House is a 95-bed facility that provides shelter, education and employment assistance, legal advocacy, and…
“Living in Uncertain Times!”
By Lou K. Coleman War, Drought, Starvation, Terrorist threats, Uncertain and knowing that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; tell me what manner of persons ought you to be? …
WITNESS FOR JUSTICE #1203 Peace is Possible
Shari Prestemon Nearly 40 years ago, the United Church of Christ passed a pronouncement at our Fifteenth General Synod in 1985 declaring ourselves a “just peace church’. Threaded through the pronouncement’s language were three bold words: “Peace is possible.” That was a fairly audacious statement considering what was happening in 1985. Famine in Ethiopia had…
Experts weigh in on mounting concerns of impending U.S. civil war
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent In the wake of a recent survey revealing startling apprehensions among American voters regarding the possibility of a second civil war, experts in history and political science offer sobering insights into the nation’s current trajectory. Ashley Robertson Preston, an assistant professor of history at Howard University…
Cal African American Chamber of Commerce Holds Annual Gwen Moore Legislative Reception
Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media The California African American Chamber of Commerce partnered with the California African American Action Fund to host its annual “Honorable Gwen Moore California Legislative Reception.” The event took place on May 7 at the Sutter Club in downtown Sacramento. Distinguished guests included business leaders, state officials, and both…
Padilla, Durbin, Gillibrand Lead Call to Provide At Least $3 Billion for Shelter and Services Program in FY 25
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety, Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) led 15 Senators in calling on Senate Appropriations Committee leadership to provide no less than $3 billion in FY…
Improving Child Welfare to Help Kids Heal and Thrive in Early Education Years
By Fatima Killebrew As I recently walked the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, each step carried the weight of purpose and possibility. I was nervous about meeting with members of Congress, who hold the power to act on issues that affect my family and many others. I worried: What if I stumbled over my words?…
First 5 San Bernardino Celebrates 25 Years of Serving Young Children and Families in San Bernardino County
First 5 San Bernardino celebrates major milestone of championing for the growth and development of children prenatal through 5 years old SAN BERNARDINO, CA (May 13, 2024) – First 5 San Bernardino is celebrating 25 years of prioritizing young children’s early development in San Bernardino County. The organization strengthens families with children prenatal through 5…
Sneak Peek at Summer: Free Health Screenings at Walmart Wellness Day
Free screenings, affordable immunizations at Walmart pharmacies nationwide on May 18 BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Vacations, camps and summer get-togethers are on the horizon, and Walmart wants to help make your health a priority for them all. Join Walmart for Wellness Day on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. where customers can receive…
Church shootings force reckoning between faith and security
While violence in houses of worship isn’t new, attacks have more than doubled since 2022 — including an attempted shooting near Pittsburgh last weekend. By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware Word in Black The Rev. Glenn Germany, pastor of Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in Pittsburgh, was halfway through his sermon last Sunday when a young man…
St. Mary’s History student researches one of San Antonio’s first desegregated clubs
Peering through the historical keyhole by Jayden Mendez Growing up on the West Side of San Antonio, Jadyn Evans has always been fascinated by historical events, both in her neighborhood and around San Antonio. Her desire to learn about the past led her to St. Mary’s University, where the senior History major not only worked on research…
