State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Recognizes September as Attendance Awareness Month

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, in recognition of September as Attendance Awareness Month, said school districts, public agencies, community groups, students, and their families must work together to combat chronic absenteeism. “Students aren’t learning if they are not in class. Cohesive partnerships, intervention strategies, and solid support services create attendance teams that are…

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson’s Response to Secretary DeVos’ Plan to Arm Teachers

Washington, D.C. August 23, 2018 –Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson issued the following statement in response to news reports that the U.S. Department of Education is considering allowing states to use federal tax dollars to purchase guns for teachers: “I was astounded to learn today that the U.S. Department of Education is allegedly considering using federal…

The Tale Of Two Redding Cases In Black And White

Family of late attorney Gugsa Abraham “Abe” Dabela demands accountability for disgraced police chief’s pattern of mishandled investigations Lawyer for murdered resident’s family questions whether Redding’s inaction on police chief in 2014 eventually led to Peter Valenti’s death Redding, Conn. (August 21, 2018)—An attorney for the family of the late Gugsa Abraham “Abe” Dabela, the…

California Capitol Black Staff Association Stands with Black Lobbyist Threatened by State Senator

SACRAMENTO, CA – Leadership of the California Capitol Black Staff Association (CCBSA) fully supports Stephanie Roberson, Director of Government Relations for the California Nurses Association, who was recently sexually harassed and threatened with physical violence by state Senator Joel Anderson (R). The group has expressed outrage and exasperation with the hostile environment that Black women…

Black Woman-Owned Startup Launches Innovative Product To Keep Your Hair “Natural, But Not Happy”

Los Angeles, CA (BlackNews.com) — Alashee Naturals, a Black woman-owned startup brand that produces innovative natural hair care products, is pleased to announce the launch of the Natural, But Not Nappy Alashee Good Hair System – the latest addition to their new science and technology based selections of hair, skin and beauty care products. Diana…

Joshua Tree National Park Seeks Public Input on Draft Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan

Twentynine Palms, CA – Joshua Tree National Park will hold public meetings on August 29 and August 30 to present and seek comment on the draft Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. Over the last year, an interdisciplinary team comprised of park and regional staff identified key park experiences, and evaluated associated areas to determine locations…

San Bernardino Valley College Invites Public to Annual Community Meeting

Workshop will help college administrators gather community input on the college’s future and strategic direction. SAN BERNARDINO, California—San Bernardino Valley College invites members of the community to attend its annual Campus/Community Meeting, a public workshop to gather input on the college’s strategic direction. This event is free and open to the public, with free parking…

Foster Youth Overcomes Adversity Through SBVC’s Student Support Program

Devonte Kilgore will be graduating next spring with an associate’s degree in administration of justice. SAN BERNARDINO, California—San Bernardino Valley College student Devonte Kilgore, 23, of Fontana, admits he had doubts along the way about what it takes to get through college. One thing he didn’t want to be was another statistic – unless he…

Man Arrested in Horrific Stabbing Death of Nia Wilson; Bay Area Protesters Demand Justice

BART police image of John Cowell, 27, who was apprehended on Monday night for allegedly fatally stabbing Nia Wilson, 18, and injuring her sister, Letifiah Wilson, 26 The man believed to have slit the throat of 18-year-old Nia Wilson at an Oakland BART station on Sunday night was arrested without incident Monday night. Police apprehended…

Black Women for Positive Change Announces 2018 Week of Non-Violence October 13-21, 2018

(Washington, D.C.) Black Women for Positive Change, (BW4PC) in affiliation with the Positive Change Foundation, announces the Sixth Annual 2018 Week of Non-Violence, Justice and Opportunities, October 13-21, 2018. In a joint statement, Daun S. Hester and Dr. Stephanie E. Myers, National Co-Chairs of Black Women for Positive Change said, “We are reaching out to…

Young Visionaries Student Achievement Program (YVSAP) Mentoring Jobs Available

Mentor Job Description 12.00 hr PT PURPOSE: To give a young person in need of social, developmental and emotional support the companionship of a caring adult. Mentor Duties/Responsibilities: * Responsible for meeting with the assigned mentee for the agreed-upon time frame (i.e., often weekly meetings for at least one year) * Act as a resource…

Social Lites, Inc. Supports So Cal Black Chamber of Commerce Event

On Friday, July 20, 2018, members of Social Lites, Inc. attended the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce Networking and Building Business Relationships event sponsored by Southern California Edison as guests of Alumni Beautillion Knight Willie Ellison, president of Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce.  This well attended workshop afforded all the opportunity to learn…

Judge Rules New Mexico Violated Public School Students’ Constitutional Right to Sufficient Educational Opportunities

(SANTA FE, NM) – A state court ruled today that New Mexico’s education system violates the state constitution because it fails to provide students a sufficient public education. Families and school districts in the consolidated lawsuit Yazzie v. State of New Mexico and Martinez v. State of New Mexico sued the state for failing to…