Month: January 2025
Opinion: When Hip-Hop Sold Its Soul for a Stack
By Jasmyne Cannick Once upon a time a long time ago in a land not that far away, hip-hop was the voice of the streets. It was a movement, a message, and a megaphone for Black empowerment and communal struggle. Born from block parties and sound systems in the Bronx, N.Y., it was raw, unfiltered,…
As Attacks Against DEI Heighten, Costco and Apple Prove Inclusion Remains Good Business
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Under President Donald Trump’s Project 2025, the administration has launched an unprecedented effort to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) programs. Federal agencies are now prohibited from observing Black History Month, and employees involved in DE&I initiatives have been terminated. Critics argue these measures represent a…
FREE Shred-Fest, Compost Giveaway, & Recycling at Victor Valley MRF: Feb. 1
VICTORVILLE, Calif. — Don’t miss out on our Free Shred-Fest, Mulch Giveaway, and Recycling Event at the Victor Valley Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event will feature drive-through document shredding, a compost giveaway, disposal of electronic waste and appliances, and free mattress and box spring…
OP-ED: DEI Is Here to Stay: A Movement Beyond Government Policy
By Anthony Tilghman In recent years, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have faced growing scrutiny, with some state governments attempting to defund or dismantle these programs. Critics argue that DEI initiatives are divisive or unnecessary, while proponents see them as critical tools for achieving fairness and equity. However, regardless of political rhetoric or legislative…
Trump Administration Targets Black Pilots, Weaponizing Lies About Diversity
Donald Trump and his hate-filled administration have launched another racist attack, this time aiming at Black pilots and diversity efforts in the aviation industry. In a stunning display of bigotry disguised as governance, Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum ordering the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to eliminate hiring policies designed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion…
“Run to Safety ─Run -Run as Fast as You Can!”
By: Lou K Coleman You know, there is a story told of a vessel that was wrecked and was going down at sea. There were not enough lifeboats to take all on board. When the vessel went down, some of the lifeboats were near the vessel. A man swam from the wreck to one of…
WITNESS FOR JUSTICE #1240 Faith that Calls for Welcome Confronts the Harshest Anti-Immigrant Policies in Modern U.S. History
Noel Andersen “In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.” Those were the words of The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Diocese of Washington at a prayer service in Washington DC, as she asked President Trump to show…
Standing Against the Erosion of Equity and the Erasure of the Tuskegee Airmen’s Legacy
OLIVE BRANCH, Miss., Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The following statement is from Tennesse Garvey, Chair, Board of Directors, Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals: Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (PRNewsfoto/Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals OBAP) OBAP Speaks Out Against Repeal of Equity Order and Erasure of Tuskegee Airmen’s Legacy in USAF Training The Organization of…
Toyota Launches ‘You Can’t Stop My Drive,’ A New Campaign Focused on Acknowledging and Celebrating Black Men through the Power of Mobility
PLANO, Texas, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Toyota has proudly lifted the wraps on its newest national brand campaign, “You Can’t Stop My Drive,” which celebrates the shared optimism for a progressive future, focused on Black men. Toyota’s 2025 campaign aims to reinforce its emotional connection with Black men by spotlighting mobility as a transformative…
An Early Childhood Educator’s Journey Inspires Others
By Dr. Usma Mohamed Darrell Brown, Director of Teaching Learning & Quality Practice at It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAVA) in Chicago, was recently selected from hundreds of applicants to receive a scholarship from the Council for Professional Recognition to attend the Early Educators Leadership Conference (EELC) in Washington D.C. Darrell, a Chicago…
Emergency Preparedness Resources
As disasters like wildfires continue to impact California, it’s important to ensure that older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families have access to the resources they need. To support these efforts, the California Department of Aging (CDA) is offering free guides to help communities prepare for and navigate emergencies, as well as connect with…
FREE Shred-Fest, Compost Giveaway, & Recycling at Victor Valley MRF: Feb. 1
VICTORVILLE, Calif. — Don’t miss out on our Free Shred-Fest, Mulch Giveaway, and Recycling Event at the Victor Valley Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event will feature drive-through document shredding, a compost giveaway, disposal of electronic waste and appliances, and free mattress and box spring…
New American Heart Association Report Reveals Alarming Inequities in Heart Health by Race and Gender
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent The American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update uncovers glaring racial and gender disparities in cardiovascular health, illustrating the profound toll heart disease takes on marginalized populations. According to the report, non-Hispanic Black adults experience an age-adjusted mortality rate of 379.7 per 100,000…
After LA Fires, Immigrants Face Deportation Threats
By Selen Ozturk After one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history burned over 50,000 acres of Los Angeles County, immigrants are already cleaning up. After one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history burned over 50,000 acres of Los Angeles County, immigrants are already cleaning up. With 28 known deaths, up to…
Trump’s First Week Back in Office Marked by Racist Actions, Rollback of Worker Protections
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent NNPA NEWSWIRE — For Black Americans, who already face systemic barriers in employment, the loss of these protections exacerbates long-standing disparities. Women, particularly women of color, will likely see even more significant hurdles in hiring, pay, and promotions. For members of the African American community, women,…
Black Family Seeks Justice For Wrongful Death of Two Sisters
Nationwide — Florida has been proudly touted or boasted as being a “law and order” state by its governor, Ron DeSantis. However, the story of a black family exposes the unpleasant, darker side of Florida’s political and legal system. Patricia Ann Washington died on May 8, 2023, from sepsis, being left in a horrific condition…
Biden Pardons Marcus Garvey, Others in one of His Final Acts of Presidency
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent In one of his final acts in office, President Joe Biden posthumously pardoned Marcus Mosiah Garvey Jr., a seminal figure in the civil rights movement, whose advocacy for Black nationalism and self-reliance left an indelible mark on leaders like Malcolm X and movements across the Black…
CARB stories – City of Barstow media statement
MEDIA STATEMENT for any follow-up CARB stories relating to BNSF & the City of Barstow: From the City of Barstow: “In light of the news that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has withdrawn its request for locomotive rules to reduce emissions, the City of Barstow is pleased with this decision and what it means…
Apocalyptic Destination’ – The Bible’s Mixed Messaging on Migrants
By Peter Schurmann What first brought you to look at the links between the Bible, and specifically the Book of Revelation, and immigration? I started thinking about this project in the Bay Area. I was teaching at the Pacific School of Religion, part of the consortium of theological schools in Berkeley, and they asked me…
What’s Next After Prop 6? LA Fires Raise Questions of Safety and Justice for the Incarcerated in the Face of Climate Change
January 15, 2025 — The world is watching as incarcerated workers risk their lives fighting the LA fires, shining light on California’s shortcomings. Legal Services for Prisoners with Children (LSPC) joins forces with WorkSafe to fight to end the dangerous and inhumane conditions facing incarcerated individuals, particularly those risking their lives fighting California’s escalating wildfires….
Governor Newsom announces LA Rises, a private-sector initiative led by Mark Walter, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Casey Wasserman, to support swift and unified rebuilding of Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES — In the wake of one of the most devastating natural disasters in California history, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the launch of LA Rises, a unified recovery initiative that brings together private sector leaders to support rebuilding efforts led by the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County and the State of…
State Expands Support for Californians Impacted by Southern California Wildfires
CDPH is providing waivers, adding flexibility, and expanding support for those impacted by wildfires What You Need to Know: The California Department of Public Health is expanding ways in which Californians can receive help and support as Southern California continues to battle wildfires and begin to recover. Sacramento – In the wake of the devastating…
High Desert Children Face Homelessness as White House Funding Freeze Cripples Local Non-Profit
Victorville, CA – 1/28/25 – A critical safety net for homeless and runaway youth in San Bernardino County is on the verge of collapse due to a sudden pause on federal funding by the White House. Family Assistance Program, the county’s only runaway and homeless youth shelter, faces closure unless the funding is reinstated immediately. Youths Pushed…
Forest Lawn Celebrates Black History Month With One-Night-Only Performance & Community Event
Image credits (left to right): Keynote speaker Dr. Stephanie Powell addresses the audience at Forest Lawn’s Black History Month event; Charles Lane performs with singers during Forest Lawn’s Black History Month event. Saturday, February 1, 2025, 4:00-7:30 PM Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection, Forest Lawn–Glendale LOS ANGELES, CA—Forest Lawn–Glendale celebrates Black History Month with a free, family-friendly…