Councilwoman Gray Brings in Holiday Spirit
By Maya Mackey
District 1
Councilwoman
Gloria Gray threw a Holiday extravaganza on December 14 at the beautiful Martin’s Event Center on Manchester. The Holiday Party and Toy Drive had a buffet, bar, and dance floor to keep the good times rolling. Live musical performances had everyone up and out of their seats doing the electric slide, cupid shuffle, and the wobble trifecta.
Ms. Gray spoke intricately about her faith, hope for her community and vision for Inglewood’s future. There were guest appearances by California Senator Steven Bradford, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Alicia Smith, a longtime community resident and assistant to the council, honored for her many years of service.. Toys collected for children age 0 - 8 and above will be gifted to families this Thursday at the ICOP Community Center on Manchester.
Ms. Gray is a former Inglewood school board member and the
By Maya Mackey
Merry ChrismaHannuKwanzaakuh to all my late shoppers! By the time you read this, there will be less than 7 days left to purchase or make the gifts you want for your loved ones (no pressure)! Don’t you fret though, because I’m here to help.
For the Coffee Fiend in your life, Hilltop and Sip and Sonder are here to provide!
Hilltop’s Inglewood location (170 N. La Brea) sells two bags of whole coffee beans, their Ethiopian blend and their Slauson blend.
The Slauson blend has notes of dark chocolate, roasted almonds and caramel. The Ethiopian blend contains notes of Honeydew, Lemon Verberna and White Tea. Both come with 12 oz
worth of beans and they’re under 20 bucks! And if you’re unsure of your
Publisher’s Message
We Need Pardons for Social Justice
By Willie Brown
According to StartTribune.com, last week, President Joe Biden commuted the sentence of a former Pennsylvania judge at the center of the notorious “kids-for-cash” scandal. The scheme involved sending juveniles to a detention center in exchange for more than $2 million in kickbacks.
Another controversial pardon was granted to a former Illinois lawyer, involved in overseeing fraudulent tax shelters that cost the government more than $1.6 billion.
To date, the president has pardoned dozens of people and commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500. More are on the way. Crimes range from high-level financial fraud to low level nonviolent drug charges committed years ago.
While political pundits continue to cry over Biden pardoning his son Hunter for illegal gun possession and a tax evasion charge, social justice advocates have their eyes on protecting the First Amendment right to peacefully protest.
Black Lives Matter is asking Biden to issue pardons to those charged with federal offenses for standing up to police violence.
In a statement dated December 13, 2024, BLM praised Biden for using his pardoning power to help nonviolent offenders. But more needs to be done. The organization is asking the president to extend pardons to everyone convicted of federal charges during the 2020 protests of the murders
of George Floyd, Brianna Taylor and other black people, whose lives were senselessly snuffed out by police officers. The charges were handed down during Trump’s first presidency.
Additionally, the group is asking the president to put in place pre-emptive pardons to protect those who will be protesting Trump’s racist policies, which he intends to enact once in office.
Well aware of Trump’s dangerous racist policies, like restoring racial profiling by police, BLM is gearing up to protect the rights of those who will be standing for justice, after the President-elect takes office in January.
Getting the sitting president to pardon protestors, both past and future is the best way to insure Trump can’t go
back and strip away their freedom. We all know that he is planning to pardon those who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, falsely claiming Biden stole the election, destroying government property, assaulting and even killing capitol police officers.
So, while Biden is supporting millionaires and billionaires, he may as well support those on the frontlines fighting for justice for black people. It’s only right.
To urge President Biden to grant post and pre-pardons to activists fighting for racial justice, gender equality, immigrant rights and the preservation of our democracy, join the campaign at https://blacklivesmatter.org/actions.
Inglewood Today
Announces Internships
Inglewood Today (https://inglewoodtoday.com) has announced immediate internship opportunities for aspiring journalists and data/research assistants. The 31-year old media company is considering college and high school students for 3-6 month internships working hybrid 4-8 hours per week.
Journalist interns will have an opportunity to build their writing portfolios while interviewing celebrities, elected officials and other community leaders. They will also cover issues related to Inglewood and surrounding areas. Data/research assistants will work behind the scenes maintaining databases and helping to organize and launch a new blog.
Interested candidates may apply by submitting resumes to veronica@ inglewoodtoday.com. If applying for the journalist internship, candidates must also submit their best 2-3 writing samples.
Make Time for Self-Care During the Holidays
By Veronica Mackey
With less than a week to go before Christmas, you might find yourself in the “thick of it.” When you’re in full holiday mode, things that might not ordinarily bother you, may suddenly become triggering— long lines, not finding what you want, driving in circles to find a parking space. And those prices! Do they think you’re made of money? Here are a few tips to help you keep your sanity and your nervous system intact during the “season to be merry.” Think of it as your self-care holiday guide.
1.Breathe. Take 5 minutes to do some deep breathing, inhaling and exhaling to the count of four. Do this 4-6 times. Listen to soft music, meditate, fill your home and car with pleasant scents. These simple acts will help keep your nervous system in balance, and reduce stress.
2.Limited time only. There is a reason it’s called the Holiday “Season.” There is an end date to the madness. So, if you find yourself overloaded with stress, remember “This too shall pass.” While you want to make the most of the season, and enjoy the holidays, remember it is for a brief period. Before you know it, you’ll be preparing for Valentine’s Day and the dreaded tax season. So don’t stress. Forget about making everything perfect and treat the holidays for what
it is—a very special time of year that last for a season.
3.Don’t forget to eat and stay hydrated. 4.Organize your time and finances. Plan your holiday errands, so they align with other things on your list.
expenses in an envelope. This will help you keep track of your spending and keep receipts handy in case you need to exchange items later.
By Veronica Mackey
Legislation introduced last week by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda), is calling on social media platforms to place warning labels online to better protect young users.
The bill, Assembly Bill 56, seeks to curtail the growing number of mental health issues faced by children and teens on social media. According to statistics, adolescents spend more than three hours per day online. This has resulted in increased cases of declining physical and mental health, including insomnia and symptoms of depression and anxiety.
“Social media companies have demonstrated an unwillingness to tackle the mental health crisis, instead digging in deeper into harnessing addictive features and harmful content for the sake of profits. It is our responsibility to make sure consumers have access to information that may affect their health, so they can make the best choices for themselves and their families,” Attorney Bonta said.
Plan your route and decide where you need to go in advance. Consider leaving your car at home and taking Uber. Keep your holiday related
5.Now is a great time to book a massage, take a long bubble bath or get extra sleep. Find ways to slow your body down so you’ll be able to meet the demands of the holidays as well as work and family.
6.Do the best you can. Acknowledge that you’re a human being. You most likely have financial limitations, time restraints and more desires than you can possibly achieve. Learn to manage expectations, especially those that you have placed on yourself. Are you being realistic? Now is not the time for super ambitious projects like making a complicated meal that you have neither the time nor expertise to pull off. Keep things simple. 7.Ask and receive. See who you can ask to help lighten the load. Maybe a friend can watch your children for a couple of hours, or pick up a couple of gifts while they’re out shopping. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
8.Remember the reason for the season. No matter what, make time to acknowledge the birth of Jesus, the beautiful meaning behind Kwanzaa, the joy of being together with family. Focus on what money cannot buy. Gather around the fireplace, enjoy trimming your tree, listening to holiday music and watching Christmas movies (even the cheesy ones). Don’t get so busy running around, trying to make everything “perfect” for everybody, that you to fail to acknowledge the true meaning for the season. You deserve to exhale and take in the beauty all around you. Don’t miss it.
Happy Holidays!
Are Warning Labels for Social Media a Good Idea?
California is the first state to introduce the warning label legislature, originally introduced in Congress on September 24 by Senators Katie Britt (R-AL) and John Fetterman (D-PA). Britt and Fetterman’s “Stop the Scroll Act” proposes a pop-up box asking users to acknowledge potential risks to mental health.
On June 17. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy published a New York Times op-ed in favor of issuing warning labels. The article was met with applause from 43 attorneys general, who sent letters to House and Senate leadership in support of the proposal.
Under AB 56, social media platforms would be required to display the black box warning to users of all ages upon their first use and at least once weekly thereafter. The warning would be displayed continuously for a minimum of 90 seconds.
There is no doubt that social media influences millions of lives daily, from how people think to how much time and attention is consumed online— sometimes interfering with normal daily activities. The impact of social
media on health habits (such as sleep and exercise), self-esteem and social discourse is far-reaching for users of all ages, but especially teens.
But, are warning labels enough to combat technology that keep users endlessly engaged with videos, receiving constant notifications of content curated to their specific interests? Will warning labels be effective enough to change online behavior if children are primarily the ones reading them?
According to Alex Ambrose, a policy analyst at Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, the proposal has serious flaws. In a piece on the ITIF website, titled “Congress Should Not Mandate Warning Labels for Social Media,” Ambrose said, “First, there is no established scientific consensus linking social media to harmful effects on mental health. Second, pop-up alerts on websites are largely ineffective, serving only to frustrate users without delivering meaningful behavior change.”| Ambrose reasons that users often ignore pop-ups and cookie banners. They are more annoying and disruptive
to the online experience than anything else. Additionally, research conducted by two communications professors, Jonathan Obar of York University in Toronto and Anne Oeldorf-Hirsch of the University of Connecticut, found that over 90 percent of Internet users don’t read the terms of service or privacy policies.
“Are policymakers expecting children to understand the seriousness of a warning label? A pop-up warning label is unlikely to be read, let alone influence public opinion—especially for children,” Ambrose said.
Second, there is not enough evidence that social media is causing mental health issues among youth. While social media certainly impacts mental health, it is nowhere near the harm imposed by cigarettes, alcohol or driving without seat belts.
Despite the Surgeon General’s recommendation for warning labels, his own advisory on children’s online safety in 2023 concluded there is a lack of evidence to determine whether social media harms children.
Area Communities
Serving Ladera, Hawthorne, Westchester, Lawndale, Gardena, Carson
2024 in Review: Seven Questions for the Social Justice Learning Institute
By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media
The Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI), based in Inglewood, is dedicated to addressing the challenges facing communities of color across Los Angeles County and beyond.
With a focus on education, health equity, and youth empowerment, SJLI runs impactful programs that tackle systemic inequalities and help build stronger communities. In addition to its work in Los Angeles, SJLI has expanded its efforts to Houston, Texas.
California Black Media (CBM) recently spoke with Derek Steele, SJLI’s Executive Director. He discussed the organization’s achievements, challenges, and future plans. Steele, a former engineer who transitioned into the field of health equity advocacy, has been at SJLI for more than a decade. His background in system-building and community organizing has shaped SJLI’s approach to solving critical issues like food insecurity and education disparities.
(Responses have been edited for clarity and length.)
1. What stands out as SJLI’s most impactful achievement in 2024?
SJLI’s Urban Scholars Program remains a bright spot despite our challenges. The program provided students with the academic support they needed to stay on track for graduation.
We maintained a 96% graduation rate across all sites. This fall, we’ve seen a 97% retention rate for students going into their second year of college This achievement is a testament to SJLI’s focus on bridging the gap between high school and college, ensuring that students have a smooth transition.
2. How has SJLI’s leadership and investments improved the lives of Black and Brown youth in LA County?
We must invest in both education and health. In addition to academic programs, SJLI has made a significant impact through our health equity initiatives, particularly in food access. Just last year, we distributed 1.2 million pounds of produce throughout LA County. This, along with their retreats and college tours, provided much-needed support for students and their families.
3. What has been the most challenging aspect of SJLI’s work in 2024?
While there was progress in 2020 and 2021 following the social justice movements, many of the commitments made during that time have since been rolled back. This made 2024 particularly challenging as efforts to push forward key initiatives, such as the Black Student
distribution, and some even join us at events like the equity social.
5. What is one lesson SJLI learned in 2024 that will shape its decisions in 2025?
One of the biggest lessons learned is the importance of building strong, aligned partnerships. SJLI has
costs, many families are being forced out of their neighborhoods, some leaving the state entirely or becoming homeless. More than 50% of people are housing burdened, spending over half of their income on housing. So, SJLI is working on Sankofa at Centinela, a 120-unit, 100%
Achievement Plan at Los Angeles Unified School District, slowed down. The challenge has been the full-throated walk back of a lot of those commitments.
4. What inspired SJLI to continue its mission despite the challenges of 2024?
SJLI’s dedicated team and the support of the community have kept the organization moving forward. Our staff members have a deep commitment to the mission, and they are true believers in what we’re trying to achieve. The involvement of the broader community has also helped. Community members come by on Fridays for our produce
collaborated with the Brotherhood Crusade and BAM LA forming the Bloom Alliance—an initiative that stands for Building a Lifetime of Options and Opportunity for young Men which was launched by the California Community Foundation. Partnership matters, but alignment in those partnerships really matters. Having a clear plan in place allows the organization to stay adaptable when challenges arise. You have to plan the work and work the plan.
6. What is the biggest challenge facing Black and Brown communities in LA County in one word?
The biggest challenge is displacement. With rising housing
affordable housing development that will also house our new 25,000 square foot headquarters.
7. What is SJLI’s main goal for 2025?
SJLI’s main goal is to continue empowering youth leaders of color through education, leadership development, and community engagement. We are here to improve the overall health, education, and well-being of youth leaders of color by fostering leadership and providing resources. SJLI aims to help communities become selfsustaining and thriving.
Rams Food and Toy Drive
In partnership with Pechanga Resort Casino, the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank hosted a large-scale, drive-thru food distribution at SoFi Stadium for the second consecutive year. Thousands of Angelenos drove through the stadium parking lots to receive a holiday meal and nutritious food. Check out photos from the day.
Advocates Demand Action on Reparations During Gov’s Special Legislative Session
A coalition of community leaders and reparations advocates are demanding that the California legislature, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Gov. Gavin Newsom act decisively on reparations bills that have stalled in the Legislature.
They are calling on the state leaders to pass the bills during the special legislative session the Governor called this month to secure up to $25 million for California “to defend against unconstitutional or unlawful federal government actions” expected during the incoming Trump administration.
The advocates are also urging that the push for reparations for Californians who are descendants of enslaved Black people in the United States continues next year during the regular session, which begins when the Legislature convenes on Jan. 6, 2025.
“California has a proud history of leading difficult change in America from environmental policies to safety standards to same-sex marriages and the like,” said Tullus Miller, a Bay Area financial services executive.
Miller was speaking during an engagement held Dec. 2 on the grounds of the State Capitol with the California Native American Monument as the backdrop.
The California Native American Monument, erected in November 2023, is the only Native American memorial at the California State Capitol.
“Our state is at the forefront of social and economic reforms. “We always set standards,” continued Miller, insisting that the state should not take its mind off reparative justice while it defends itself from other concerns.
Los Angeles-based attorney and reparations advocate Cheryce Cryer explained the purpose of the event.
“I’m here today, to bring attention to the needs of Black Americans and the need for our legal and social protections as the special legislative session convenes,” Cryer said.
In addition to Miller and Cryer, other speakers at the event were Dr. Booker Cook, Ethnics Studies professor at the California State University, Sacramento (CSUSacramento) and Khansa “Friday” Jones Muhammad, Vice President of the Los Angeles Reparations Advisory Commission.
The news conference coincided with the swearing-in of lawmakers who won races in the November election.
The leaders outlined a list of demands, including re-introducing two reparations bills that were not brought to the Assembly floor for a vote at the end of the last legislative session in August.
During the special session and regular session, the group called
for the re-introduction of reparations legislation that did not get a vote in the last legislative season, a distribution of the final California Reparations Task Force Report to schools and libraries, and the establishment of a defense fund to support implementation and legal defense of the reparations report and associated bills.
“Today, that Freedmen’s Bureau (bill) needs to be re-established,” Cook said.
“The work is done. The history is there, and the proof is there. There should be no more arguments and no more debates. Why would you build a house and not let anyone live there?”
Authored by former Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood), Senate Bill (SB) 1403 and SB 1330 stalled in the Assembly in September, triggering backlash from reparations supporters across the country.
Leadership of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) said they agreed not to support bringing forth Bradford’s bills due to procedural and funding concerns. However, the CLBC was able to secure $12 million in next year’s budget to continue work on reparations legislation.
SB 1403 proposes the establishment of the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency to recommend a course of action for compensating Black Californians who are descendants of enslaved people.
SB 1331 would have created the Fund for Reparations and Reparative Justice in the State Treasury to fund policies approved by the Legislature and Governor. Advocates of the bills believed that the two bills were essential to moving the reparations discussion forward for the first time since the end of slavery.
“California has been leading the nation in reparations discussions,” Jones-Muhammad said. “The advocates in this space have spent five years doing the impossible and working with the Legislature to bring foundational reparations policies through the Senate and Assembly Appropriations.”
The CLBC starts the 20242025 legislative session with new leadership. Sen. Akilah Weber (DLa Mesa) serves as the chairperson, while Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) is the vice chair.
On Sept. 26, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a series of reparations bills
by the CLBC addressing the legacy of racial discrimination in the state and prioritizing a number of issues important to Black Californians.
On Aug. 31, the CLBC released a statement explaining its reasoning for not moving forward with the bills and outlining its intentions for the future.
“We remain committed to our long-term goals and recognize that this is a multi-year effort,” the CLBC stated.
“We will not be distracted from our mission. We will stay focused on the work at hand, united in our purpose, and dedicated to the cause of reparations and equity for all. The CLBC will continue to lead with integrity and purpose, ensuring that our legislative efforts are impactful and meaningful for the communities we serve,” the statement concluded.
For starters, Bryan introduced
Assembly Bill (AB) 7 on Dec. 3, a new reparations bill that would provide priority admission for descendants of slaves at CSU and the University of California (UC) campuses.
“As the new Vice-Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus we will continue to fight for what is just,” Bryan stated on the X platform the same day.
During the gathering at the California State Capitol, the reparations supporters said they were willing to work with both Democrat and Republican legislators to realize reparations for Black Californians. They also offered to reach out to supporters, grassroots organizations, and lawmakers to broaden support for the passage and implementation of reparations bills in the state.
Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
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Chairwoman of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Board of Directors. We’re grateful for her service.
Continued from page 1: Here’s Your...
Hilltop’s signature phrase. Hilltop’s “For the Climb” merch also includes a black T-shirt with the phrase, a black hoodie and several luxury candles to choose from.
Across the way on 108 South Market Street, Sip & Sonder has two blends of whole beans to offer as well. Their Native Roots blend contains juniper, brown sugar, lemon and lime. The Melosa Arte blend contains raspberry, lime, caramel, nutmeg and milk chocolate. Merch and accessories include handcrafted Rwandan coffee coasters and, for the Boho Hipster friend, this “Coffee is a plant” shirt. You can even teach your friend the art of sustainability and being economical by signing them up for a monthly coffee subscription! Every month, Sip & Sonder will deliver a bag of light or medium roast to their door! If you’re always tryna get your
girlfriend to make coffees at home and stop spending her money at Starbucks every day, your prayers have been answered! Help her out with home delivery service.
For the Book Lover in your life. Around the way in the Crenshaw community is Reparations Book Club (Black-women owned) on 3054 S Victoria Ave and Malik’s at both the Crenshaw and Fox Hills (Culver City) Mall. For our Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters, there’s a full Spanish language book store over in West Adams! La Libreria is on 4571 ½ West Adams Blvd.
For the Beauty Queens/Kings in your life…SheLuvsLashes in Hawthorne sells “softer, fluffier, vegan lashes” and application tools to apply luscious lashes for that extra oomph in your look at all the holiday parties! They don’t just sell products though! SheLuvsLashes is a full service salon
and training academy that focuses on facials, lash extensions and brow services. And if you really want to invest into a future aesthetician you know, SheLuvsLashes also offers an online course that teaches folks how to make their own lashes and build a lash empire!
For momma’nem, Junie Bee’s Butta is based in L.A and sells home-made body butters with luxurious scents like ginger lemongrass and rose bergamot. The lovely ladies in your life will be moisturized to the maxl and smell delectable. You’ll have to place orders online as this isn’t a storefront but since they’re local, it’s sure to make it in time for Kwanzaa and Hannukah at the latest!
If you want to be different, you could get custom made shirts, tote bags, calendars and other miscellaneous goodies! Just had a baby? Reward the proud grandparents with a custom
print of your bundle of joy that they can hang in their home. Visit Mina Printing on 428 W. Arbor Vitae
For your Afro-Centric friends, check out Couquette Kouture, an African apparel shop on 238 S. Market St. For your woo-woo friends and relatives, Angels on Earth Crystal Shop in Inglewood has beautiful crystals on the low low! Orange Calcite for $4, Sage bundles for $5. We love beautiful things for a cheap cost!
Last, but not least, for Yoself! If your space is in need of a little sprucing, bring your cursor over to Sanctuaire. A Black woman and momma owned textile company, Sanctuaire offers rich printed hues of bedding and home decor! Your home will feel like a luxurious palace no matter what you order here (Sanctuaire typically ships orders in 5 business days).
Good luck out there!
