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By Dr. John E. Warren
Publisher
We pause here from the multitude of issues and crises confronting us on a daily basis to extend our thanks and appreciation for your support during the year 2022. I am sure there were many things you could have done with the time you spent with us. Your support during this time of false news and social media dominating the time and attention of so many has encouraged us to work harder at doing more to improve upon who we are and how we represent you.
I would be remiss if I didn’t take this time to remind all of us that “Jesus is the reason for the season” because according to John 3:16, in the Bible, “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believe in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life..” The giving of his Son was God’s gift to us and in turn, releases the spirit of giving each year when we celebrate His birthday. The angels appearing to the shepherds on that special night of the birth of Jesus spoke of “peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” Therefore, it’s no accident that a spirit of “peace” and a spirit of “giving” come with the Christmas season.
We extend to you our desire for the blessings of peace and the spirit of giving to reach you, your family, friends, and even the stranger that God puts in your path so that you might be a blessing even as Jesus has been to each of us whether or not we have accepted him. We give thanks for you and your relationship with us as we pray the blessings of the season upon you. Be blessed.
Black Men Are Excellent
African American men keep being maligned by mainstream media, but the false narrative couldn’t be further from the truth.
By Hiram Jackson
Word In Black
I can’t say that enough, and I say it often. The term Black excellence refers to a high level of achievement, success, or ability demonstrated by an individual Black person or by Black people in general, but this discussion is about Black men specifically. The narratives are deliberately negative and intended to paint Black men in less than complementary colors, while in truth, Black men positively impact their families and communities without hesitation. Living in that paradigm requires that anything less than excellence or perfection may be viewed as a failure, which is blatantly untrue, and Black men rise to the level of “hero” every day and in every possible way. We are obligated to deliver the truth to our readers as seen through the eyes of the Black community. Still, in 2022, we saw African American men frequently maligned by mainstream media outlets and in many other sectors that influence and shape the image of men. These outlets and sectors far too often come to conclusions about Black men that are not accurate, often painting negative images and writing false narratives of Black people in general, and Black men specifically. Such flawed findings often conclude that Black men are associated with crime, unemployment, and live in
Someday At Christmas!
By Texas Metro News Staff
Stevie Wonder did something 55 years ago that most 17-year-olds then and now would find impressive. He released his first Christmas album. His title song is one that you will find as relevant and radical today as the day it first surfaced. My Christmas playlist begins with “Someday at Christmas.” First, because of its socially “WOKE” message. Second, it never mentions the commercialized trappings we tether to the birth of Jesus. This song captures the “Reason for the Season” and the peace and love Jesus was sent to model for us.
It would do well for us to note that the song was written and released amidst the scourge of the Vietnam War. A war so politically and socially bereft of justice that just talking about it too loudly could get you killed. Dr. Martin Luther King talked about it a lot in 1967. As a result, he never lived to sing “Someday at Christmas” in 1968.
Check out the heaviness of these lyrics.
Someday at Christmas, men won’t be boys
Playing with bombs like kids play with toys
One warm December, our hearts will see A world where men are free
Someday at Christmas, there’ll be no wars
When we have learned what Christmas is for
When we have found what life’s really worth There’ll be peace on earth. That was 5-1/2 decades ago, and men are still acting like boys. Grown boys are buying and brandishing weapons that kill innocent people from Ukraine to the University of Virginia. Hadis Najafi, a young Iranian woman, tied her unscarved hair back and was shot to death in broad daylight. Stevie is right. We don’t know what life is worth; therefore, there is no peace on earth.
Someday at Christmas, we’ll see a land
With no hungry children, no empty hand
One happy morning people will share Our world, where people care Whoa, someday at Christmas, there’ll be no tears When all men are equal, and no man has fears
One shining moment, one prayer away From our world today Well, we see a land, but there are still plenty of hungry children and empty hands. Dallas is the capital of glitter in America, but Dallas Public Schools have to offer daily food stipends over holiday breaks and summers. Church parking lots throughout urban American cities have become makeshift grocery stores and food giveaway spots. This statement may sound harsh, but I’m glad Stevie can’t see all our countrymen and women languishing under bridges and overpasses. He can’t physically see the overnight campgrounds in brush harbors and fields. Meanwhile, mayors appoint “Homeless Czars” and use the houseless and destitute as political pawns. But don’t just get mad at your so-called leaders. There are no shortages of highminded selfish rogues in this city who say they want a solution. Just as long as it’s nowhere near where they live. From Highland Park to Highland Hills, the refrain is the same. “Don’t put them, folks, over here by us!”
Someday at Christmas, man will not fail
Hate will be gone, and love will prevail
Someday a new world that we can start With hope in every heart, yeah Man is failing this Christmas again. Love is gone, and hate prevails. America seems to hate Blacks, “Messicans,” Jews, Gays, and them “damn Asians” too. African Americans and Africans don’t like each other. Jerusalem and Palestine are further from a “two-state solution” than they were 55 years ago when Stevie Wonder espoused this dream.
However, we must habitually hallucinate a happy ending—the way Stevie did.
Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free Maybe not in time for you and me But someday at Christmastime! It’s good to know that this Someday at Christmas, Brittney Griner will be at home and not be a hostage. Twitter and billionaire racists like Elon Musk won’t have a say on this Christmas. It’s hard to conceive it and even harder to believe, but that’s all we have! Thank you, Stevie, for a teenaged dream that still lives on!
poverty. Nothing could be further from the truth. The truth is that most Black men will not be incarcerated, are not unemployed, and are not poor. The Word in Black Collaborative emphasizes Black excellence in all parts of the nation and all areas of society, while spotlighting disparities in society that contribute to the misnomer that Black men are anything, but excellent.
I see strong Black men of excellence working in various fields for the betterment of themselves, their families, their communities, and their careers.
We are obligated to deliver the truth to our readers as seen through the eyes of the Black community. And as sobering as the thought may be, there can be no doubt that for the first time in most of our lifetimes, African Americans are confronted with a political movement that advocates for policies specifically designed to harm our interests, and, thus, the interests of our nation.
Each year, the Michigan Chronicle takes great pride in recognizing African American men in our community who inspire others through excellence, vision, leadership, exceptional achievements, and a vast commitment to empowering in a multiplicity of ways. We are proud of the achievements of African American men in our state and beyond who are doing many wonderful things across broad spectrums of society. Therefore, we wanted to find a way to highlight African American men’s magnificent stories, accomplishments, and achievements that were happening in Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Charlotte, North Carolina, and almost every corner of the country where Black men live and work.
It was with this mindset that the Michigan Chronicle created and annually recognizes and highlights the achievements and contributions of African American men.
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Opinion articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint. We welcome reader essays, photos and story ideas. Submit to news@sdvoice.info
3085 K Street San Diego, CA 92102
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Bishop / Pastor Adlai E. Mack
Christians’ United in the Word of God
P.O. Box 651 Lemon Grove, CA 91946 Conference Call Worship Service: SUNDAYS 10:30 AM Call: 1-701-802-5400 Access Code 1720379#
All are Welcome to Join Us.
Pastor Jared B. Moten
Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church
1728 S. 39th Street San Diego, CA 92113
619.262.6004 • Fax 619.262.6014 www.embcsd.com
Sunday School 9 :30 a.m. Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 12 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.
“A Life Changing Ministry” Romans 12:2
Dr. John W. Ringgold, Sr. Pastor
Bethel Baptist Church
1962 Euclid Ave. San Diego, CA 92105
619.266.2411 • www.bethelbc.com bethel@bethelbc.com Sunday Morning Prayer 6:00 & Worship 7:30 a.m. Sunday School 9 :30 a.m. Morning Worship Youth & Children’s Church 11:00 a.m. Community Prayer (Hemera) Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., Sat. 7:30 a.m. Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 7:30 p.m. Mid Week Prayer Wednesday 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m.
Minister Donald R. Warner Sr.
Church of Christ
580 69th Street, San Diego, CA 92114
619.264.1454 • warnerdt1@aol.com
Sunday Bible Study 8:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Service 10:00 a.m. Sunday Bible Class 5:00 p.m. Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Bible Class 7:00 p.m. Friday Video Bible Class 7:00 p.m
Bishop Roy Dixon, D.D., Pastor
Greater Woodlawn Park Church of God in Christ
124 Spruce Road Chula Vista, CA 91911
Phone: (619) 427-8468 • www.gwpcogic.org Sunday School, 9:30 am on-site and Zoom Sunday Morning Worship, 11:00 am on-site Noon-Day Prayer, Tuesdays on Zoom Wednesday Midweek Bible Study, 7:00 pm, on Zoom First Friday Prayer, 9:00 pm to Midnight, on-site and Zoom Call the church office at (619) 427-8468 for Zoom links.
Calvary Baptist Church
719 Cesar E. Chavez Pkwy San Diego, CA 92113
619.233.6487 • www.calvarybcsd.org calvarybaptist1889@gmail.com Sundays Bible Discovery Hour 9 :30 a.m. Mid Morning Worship 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Noon Day Bible Study 12:00 noon Wednesday Discipleship Training 7:00 p.m.
Pastor Dennis Hodges First Lady Deborah Hodges
The Church of Yeshua Ha Mashiach Hebrew for “Jesus the Messiah”
1819 Englewood Dr. Lemon Grove, CA 91945
619.724.6226 • www.coyhm.org Sunday In the Know Bible Study 8:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Service 9:00 a.m. Saturday Shabbat Service 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Rev. Dr. Obie Tentman, Jr.
Lively Stones Missionary Baptist Church
605 S. 45th Street San Diego, CA 92113-1905
619.263.3097 • t.obie95@yahoo.com Sunday School 9 :00 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Prayer 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 p.m.
Pastor Rev. Julius R. Bennett
Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church
625 Quail Street San Diego, CA 92102
619.263.4544
Sunday School 9 :30 a.m. Sunday Morning Service 11:00 a.m. Sunday Evening Service 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Prayer Meeting 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Youth Bible Study 6:30 p.m.
Pastor Milton Chambers, Sr. & First Lady Alice Chambers
New Hope Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
2205 Harrison Avenue San Diego, CA 92113
619-234-5506 • Fax 619 234-8732 Email: newhopeadm@gmail.com 10 A.M. Sunday Service Live Stream on Facebook, Youtube, Sunday School Lesson Immediately following service. 12 P.M. Wednesday Bible Study Live Stream on Facebook, 2P.M. on Youtube I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” Psalms 122:1
Pastor Dr. Darrow Perkins Jr.
Mesa View Baptist Church
13230 Pomerado Road Poway, CA 92064
858.485.6110 • www.mesaview.org Email: mvbcadmin@mesaview.org We are using YouTube under our website of www.mesaview.org or www.YouTube.com 8:45 A.M. Sunday School Class - Via Zoom Call Contact Office for details 10 A.M. Sunday Service • 7 P.M. Wednesday Bible Study Visit our site for previous sermons: www.mesaview.org
Pastor Keith Eric Ellison
Phillips Temple CME Church
5333 Geneva Ave. San Diego, CA 92114
619.262.2505
Sunday Breakfast @ 8:00 AM Church Service 9:00 AM In-Person and on, Live Stream Facebook.com/PTCSanDiego & YouTube - Zoom Go to ptcmesd@gmail.com Sunday School @ 10:30 Wednesday Bible Study @ 6:00 PM In-Person and
On Zoom ID: 81144203904 P: 867104
Rev. Jared B. Moten, Senior Pastor
New Assurance Baptist Church
7024 Amherst Street San Diego, CA 92115
619.469.4916 Email: newassurancebaptistchurch@yahoo.com Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.- In person & Live Stream Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 a.m.- In person & Live Stream Wednesday Night Bible Study & Prayer: 6:30 p.m.- In person & Live Stream “A new Hope, A new Life, A new Way through Jesus Christ 2 Corinthians 5:17 A change is coming”
Pastor Donnell and First Lady Sheila Townsend
Pilgrim Progressive Baptist Church
4995 A Street San Diego, CA 92102
619.264.3369
Sunday School 9 :00 a.m. Morning Service 10:45 a.m. New Membership Orientation BTU 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Eve Prayer Service 6:00 p.m.
“To Serve this present age” Matt: 28:19-20
Eagles Nest Christian Center
3619 College Ave. San Diego, CA 92115
619.266.2293 • jwarren@sdvoice.info www.facebook.com/EaglesNestChristianCenter
Sunday Services: Bible Study: 9 :00 a.m. • Worship: 11:00 a.m.
Pastor Dr. John E. Warren Join Us via Zoom Meeting:
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We are a non-denominational full fellowship of believers dedicated to reach our community with the gospel and providing a place for believers to workship, learn, fellowship, serve and grow into the fullness of Christ Jesus. This ministry is to build people of Purpose, Prayer, Power, Praise and Prosperity. This mandate is being fulfilled by reaching the reality of the gospel in a simplistic fashion, and a result, learning how to apply it in everyday life.
Rev. Jeffery L. Grant, Sr. Pastor
St. Paul United Methodist Church of San Diego
3094 L Street San Diego, CA 92102
619.232.5683
Food Distribution Thursday Noon – 3:00 PM Diaper Program Thursday Noon – 2:00 PM
Pastor Rodney Robinson
Transforming Life Kingdom Church
1553 Altadena Ave San Diego, CA 92102
www.tlkcsd.org
Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship - 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study - 6:00 p.m.
Suffragan Bishop Dr. William A. Benson, Pastor & Dr. Rachelle Y. Benson, First Lady
Total Deliverance Worship Center
138 28th Street San Diego, CA 92102
www.totaldeliverance.org Fax: 619.303.2008 Mail: 7373 University Ave. Suite 217, La Mesa, CA 91942
Sunday Early Morning Worship Service 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
“It Takes Team Work to Make the Dream Work”
Pastor Asa A. McClendon
True Light Apostolic Church
5400 Division Street San Diego, CA 92114
619.262.6924
12:00 P.M. Sunday Service In Person, Live Stream on Facebook Follow us on Facebook @ True Light Apostolic Church Saints every Wednesday & Friday at 7:30 P.M.
Vera Mae Thomas
SUNRISE 01/15/1944
SUNSET 11/29/2022
Ondra Perine
SUNRISE 04/28/1938
SUNSET 11/25/2022
Jeanette Anita Johnson
SUNRISE 03/16/1943
SUNSET 11/30/2022
ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY
Funeral Services will be held on January 12, 2022 at 11am at Bayview Baptist Church 6134 Pastor Timothy J. Winters St. San Diego, CA 92114. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary. A livestream link will be provided on her obituary link via www.andersonragsdalemortuary.com Vera Thomas was born on January 15, 1944, to Elaine Estelle Wright and Hucless Bernard Thomas in the small town of Hobson, Virginia. After graduating from East Suffolk High School in 1963, Vera attended Norfolk State University (NSU) where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education in 1967. Her beautiful and energetic spirit brought her much recognition. She was named Miss Norfolk State of 1967, but also Miss Persian Rifles and Homecoming Queen. NSU was also where Vera developed a life-long love and dedication to her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Vera came to San Diego County in late 1967 and established herself a career in education. Vera fulfilled her dream of touching the lives of children and inspiring a love of learning through her work in the South Bay Union School District. She served the district as a classroom teacher and a Reading Specialist for many years. Vera worked to earn a Master of Arts Degree in Education from Pepperdine University in 1977 which led to her becoming an assistant principal, a school principal and later a district administrator. Vera retired in 2004 from the school district. Living in Bonita, California for many years and raising her children there, Vera was a devout member of the Bayview Baptist Church of San Diego. She served as a member of the church choir and was involved in many other activities as well. In 2006, Vera decided to leave California and moved to McDonough, GA. In 2022, she returned to California with her son to resettle in San Diego County. Vera was called home by the Lord Jesus Christ on the morning of November 29, 2022. Vera is survived by her daughter, Sonja Walton-Bingham and her son William L. Walton, Jr. She is also survived by her three grandchildren Christian Charles Bingham, Jordan Thomas Bingham, and Verlyn Yvette Bingham as well as her siblings Hucless Bernard Thomas Jr. (Melinda) of Hopson, Virginia; Vernell Mitchell (Randolph) of Suffolk, Virginia; Estelle White (Wallace) of Decatur Georgia and Earl Thomas (Yvonne) of Churchland, VA.
“Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.
ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY
Funeral services were held on 12/13/2023 at Linda Vista Baptist Church, with a burial following at Miramar National Cemetery. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary. Ondra Davis Perine was born on April 28, 1938 in Carlton, Alabama, to Joe and Bessie Davis. She was the 7th born out of 12 children. Ondra was baptized at Mount Gillard Baptist Church and was educated in the Clark County School system. She married her high school sweetheart, Lenzy Perine Sr. From this union, five beautiful children were born. In 1968 this military family relocated to San Diego, CA, where they united with the Linda Vista Second Baptist Church. Ondra served the Lord faithfully as an usher and a dedicated deaconess. The Perine Family was honored and recognized for their loyal and dedicated service to the Linda Vista Second Baptist Church. Thanksgiving Day was Ondra’s absolute favorite Family Holiday! And one last time, she gathered all her family together. On November 25th, 2022, at 1:45 a.m., her devoted husband looked on as the angels of God came to usher Ondra Davis Perine home to glory! Ondra was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Bessie Davis, eight siblings and three children: Joyce, Curtis, and Wayne. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her devoted husband, Deacon Lenzy Perine, Sr. San Diego; sons, Lenzy Perine, Jr., (Cynthia Keeve) of Long Beach, CA and Michael Richards (Deborah) of Cleveland, OH; daughter, Andrea Harris (Minister Eric Harris) of San Diego; eight grandchildren, Artemas Perine, Sr. (Margaret) of San Diego, CA, Dennis Cartwright of San Diego, CA, Jordan Perine of Long Beach, CA Asha Harris of San Diego, CA, Jacob Perine (Angela) of Chicago Ill, Rebecca Perine of San Diego, CA, Kai Harris of San Diego, CA, Eric Harris Jr. of San Diego, CA; eight great-grandchildren; Kahlil Perine, Marie Perine, Artemas Perine Jr, Makayla Perine, Melvin Harris, Sanaa, Zayah and Maleni. Also holding Ondra dear to their hearts are her three sisters; LerLean Card of Cleveland, OH, Jean Smith of Cleveland, OH and Eula Mae Perine of Oakland, CA along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY
Funeral services were held on 12/16/2022 at Bayview Baptist Church, with a burial following at Miramar National Cemetery. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary. Jeanette A. Lane was born in Sanford, Florida, on March 16, 1943, to Emery and Mary Lane. Jeanette was the second of nine children. Jeanette graduated from Lakeshore High School in 1961, where she was active in track and field. In 1964, Jeanette married Fred Williams. In 1964 Fred, Jeanette, Jeffrey and Fred Jr., relocated to San Diego, California, where they shared a wonderful family life. Jeanette accepted Christ at an early age in Florida and later united with Bayview Baptist Church, in San Diego, California, where she enjoyed services. In 1987, Jeanette married Johnnie Johnson, Jr. The couple shared years of fond memories with family and friends. In 1999, after 30 years of service Jeanette retired from University of California San Diego, (UCSD). Known for her impeccable style and swag. Jeanette was a meticulous decorator her flair and style were evident in projects and her life. Jeanette passed on November 30, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents Emery and Mamie Lane; siblings Emery Lane Jr., Mary E. Lane, Eugene Lane, Johnnie Lane, and Rona Lane. In 2011, Jeanette was heartbroken by the unexpected passing of her beloved son Fred Williams Jr. Celebrating her life and mourning her passing is her devoted and loving husband Johnnie Johnson Jr.; her son Jeffrey Williams; granddaughter Whisper (Chazmann) Williams; sister Lydia (Robert) Wright of New York; sister Diane Lane of Georgia; brother, Verdell (Darlene) Lane, of Georgia; cousins, Mary Evans and Jamie Evans; and a host of other family and friends. “To God be the glory” The family of Jeanette A. Johnson would like to express their gratitude for the kindness and prayers during their time of bereavement.
Mattie Griffin
SUNRISE 05/15/1950
SUNSET 12/06/2022
Vivian Boyd
SUNRISE 06/09/1952
SUNSET 12/06/2022
Arrangements were handled by Preferred Cremation & Burial at Preferred Cremation & Burial Chapel on December 21, 2022. Mattie Griffin was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on May 15, 1950, to Mr. and Mrs. Gurva Flenoy of Beaumont, Texas. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Star City, Arkansas in 1968. In May of 1970, Mattie moved to San Diego, California, where she attended San Diego State University. She worked for Pacific Bell Telephone Company, San Diego City Schools, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and at National Crossroads as an addiction counselor for 15 years. Mattie had three sons; Terrence Wainwright (who preceded her in death), Stefan Caldwell (Celeste), and Marcus Singleton, both of San Diego. Mattie passed on December 6, 2022. She was married three times to Singleton, Jackson, and Griffin. She had a strong faith, the love of family, and lived a great life. If she could tell you in her own words, she would say, “I thank my God Jehovah. I was baptized as a Jehovah Witness on November 30, 2019. It was a very proud day for me. To my loved ones, I’ll be waiting to see you again on the other side. To many grandchildren, relatives, two sisters who passed before me: Bertha Guion and Diane Clark, and my brother- in-law Larry Clark, I’ll see you again.
Arrangements were handled by Preferred Cremation & Burial at Preferred Cremation & Burial Chapel on December 22, 2022. Our Queen, Vivian Yolanda Boyd, (born Vivian Yolanda Jarrett), was born on June 9, 1952, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Walter Lee Jarrett and Eris Dean Harper. Vivian and her family moved to San Diego, California when she was a child. She attended and graduated from Lincoln High School, and then went to college and obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice. Her professional pursuits gave her an opportunity to work as a Probation Officer for The County of San Diego, an Intake Deputy for The City of Lemon Grove, and as a counselor for pregnant teens and homeless families. Vivian always worked in careers where she could be of service to others. She loved the Lord and her family dearly. She would always have a prayer or bible verse to share with you. She was very active in church over the years prior to becoming ill. The church always gave her joy and she volunteered her time with many of them. Vivian was a church usher, pastor’s assistant, and worked with different church auxiliaries. We know that in heaven, she will share the love we experienced from her here on earth. Vivian leaves behind to cherish so many memories her daughters; Tracie D. Moreland of San Diego, CA, Andrea D. “Neecy” Boyd (Samantha Salazar) of San Diego, CA; her son Donald O. Bradley, Jr. of San Diego, CA; grandchildren: Richard D. Clark, Jr., Tyrone M. Moreland, Donale, LaDasia, D’Niyah, Donald III, Demi, Deonni, Destiny Bradley; great-grandchildren: Richard D. Clark, III, and Isabella S. Moreland; brothers: Walter G. Jarrett, of San Diego, CA, and Patrick D. Jarrett (Jan) of Bakersfield, CA; nieces and nephews: Matthew, Danae, Patrick Jr., John, Kylah, Christiana Jarrett; along with a host of cousins, other family members, and friends. We will miss you dearly Mom.
THE FALL OF FTX, RENEWED MISTRUST
Signal Disaster for Cryptocurrencies
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Sr. National Correspondent The fall of Cryptocurrencies, the recent wave of the investment craze that includes NFTs and trading cards, has not only ruined bank accounts for some but now has the federal government investigating its dramatic downfall.
FTX, the Bahamas-based cryptocurrency exchange founded just before the pandemic paralyzed America and much of the world, landed in bankruptcy this month, leaving federal authorities perplexed over the fall of the company, which was valued at $32 billion.
Some have compared crypto’s fall to the famed failed Ponzi scheme orchestrated by Bernie Madoff. “And just as Madoff’s Ponzi scheme fell apart during the 2008 financial crisis, FTX’s collapse arrives amid a broader pullback for the tech industry,” Erin Griffith, a tech writer, penned for the New York Times’s digital newsletter.
“Tech stocks have crashed. Venture capital funding is drying up. As a result, nearly 800 tech companies have laid off more than 120,000 workers this year, with cuts hitting Meta, Amazon, and Twitter,” Griffith noted.
In a CBS News interview, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the fall of FTX should warn Americans about investing their money in “extremely risky” financial products traded in a space lacking “appropriate supervision and regulation,” adding, “I think this is a space where investors and consumers should really be very careful.” “We have very strong investor and consumer protection laws for most of our financial markets, but in some ways, the crypto space has inadequate regulation.” Yet, the crypto space has lured not just financial bigwigs but heavyweights in entertainment like Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Russell Simmons, and Ja Rule. Along with friend and business partner Herb Rice, Ja Rule co-founded The Painted House and launched the NFT collection Black Is Beautiful, with a charitable component benefiting historically Black colleges and universities. Earlier this year, Ja Rule told the Black Press that he wanted to create a space for people of color in the crypto world. “That’s important. We need to be at that table,” Ja Rule said.
Simmons, the hip-hop architect, and successful businessman said he leaped into the NFT market because he wanted hip-hop pioneers to get their flowers and much -deserved money while still alive.
In collaboration with NFT marketplace Tokau, Simmons’ NFT honored individuals like D.J. Hollywood, Bizzy Bee Starski, and Grandmaster Caz. Snoop Dogg agreed to curate the NFT collection.
“This is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and so many of the younger generation don’t know the shoulders on whom they stand,” Simmons told the Black Press at his launch party. “Some of these guys [founders] don’t even have bank accounts, but we have to consider, all of us have to consider. None of us would be here without them.”
Simmons insisted that Snoop Dogg “gets it.” “He wants to be a part of this. That’s why I love him so much,” Simmons asserted. “Snoop has such a big heart; he cares about these guys.” In June, Jay-Z announced that he teamed with Twitter Founder Jack Dorsey to launch a new “Bitcoin Academy” for underserved residents – particularly those in Brooklyn, New York’s Marcy Houses. The plan included adding other locations for the program designed in collaboration with Crypto Blockchain Plug and Black Bitcoin Billionaire.
Jay-Z and Dorsey said their mission included providing education and empowering the community with knowledge. Program participants were promised MiFi devices, a one-year limited data plan, and smartphones if needed. Each of the artists has yet to speak on the current state of the crypto space.
Broadband Initiative Brings Internet Access to Digitally Disadvantaged
Continued from cover
The Middle-Mile project was authorized by Senate Bill (SB) 156, announced by Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) in July of last year.
Once the network has been constructed, the state will provide funding for “last mile” efforts which refers to infrastructure that connects the network to “end-use” entities such as homes and businesses.
The Middle-Mile Initiative boasts a $6.5 billion budget to extend and improve internet access for “unserved and underserved communities” such as Indigenous American reservations, some low-income neighborhoods, and rural areas.
“So, I really want to underscore that our stance on digital equity is that it’s a 21st century civil right,” Sunne Wright McPeak, President and CEO of nonprofit California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF), told California Black Media (CBM).
Communities of color have slightly less broadband access than White communities. While 17% of Black households are without access to internet, 13% of White households lack access, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 American Community Survey (ACS).
“High-speed internet is much more than a connection – it’s a lifeline that families need to work, learn, and access critical services,” Secretary of the California Transportation Agency Toks Omishakin said in a press release.
McPeak asserts that high poverty urban areas are hard to reach and suggests that broadband infrastructure often neglects these neighborhoods.
Another piece of the puzzle is the private sector, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond told CBM.
“And because of the way internet service providers and other companies have tried to capitalize on the internet, that means that the U.S. has communities that have been without access to the internet for a long time, even though there’s so much resourcing available,” Thurmond said.
McPeak echoed the assessment and suggested how state officials can convince private companies to aid in providing open access for Californians by providing incentives to do so.
Thurmond called these companies to action to bolster state efforts.
“I think that the state is doing everything that it can, and our office is certainly taking the lead as it relates to our students, but we need everyone to help,” Thurmond said. “And that means internet companies have to find ways to help build out pieces of the infrastructure that will reach the homes of Californians.”
INTERNATIONAL NEWS Ethiopians File Lawsuit Against Meta
Over Hate Speech in War
PHOTO: Meta Platforms
By Cara Anna
Associated Press
Two Ethiopians have filed a lawsuit against Facebook’s parent company, Meta, over hate speech they say was allowed and even promoted on the social media platform amid heated rhetoric over their country’s deadly Tigray conflict. Former Amnesty International human rights researcher Fisseha Tekle is one petitioner in the case filed Wednesday and the other is the son of university professor Meareg Amare, who was killed weeks after posts on Facebook inciting violence against him. The case was filed in neighboring Kenya, home to the platform’s content moderation operations related to Ethiopia. The lawsuit alleges that Meta hasn’t hired enough content moderators there, that it uses an algorithm that prioritizes hateful content and that it acts more slowly to crises in Africa than elsewhere in the world. based legal organization the Katiba Institute, seeks the creation of a $1.6 billion fund for victims of hate speech. A Facebook spokesman, Ben Walters, told The Associated Press they could not comment on the lawsuit because they haven’t received it. He shared a general statement: “We have strict rules which outline what is and isn’t allowed on Facebook and Instagram. Hate speech and incitement to violence are against these rules and we invest heavily in teams and technology to help us find and remove this content.” Facebook continues to develop its capabilities to catch violating content in Ethiopia’s most widely spoken languages, it said. Ethiopia’s two-year Tigray conflict is thought to have killed hundreds of thousands of people. The warring sides signed a peace deal last month. said Flavia Mwangovya of Amnesty International in a statement pointing out that the Facebook posts targeting its former researcher and the professor were not isolated cases.
The AP and more than a dozen other media outlets last year explored how Facebook had failed to quickly and effectively moderate hate speech in cases around the world, including in Ethiopia. The reports were based on internal documents obtained by whistleblower Frances Haugen.
Barbara Jiménez
Dijana Beck
Jennifer BransfordKoons
Lucero Chavez Basilio
Director, Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities 442-266-6302
Elizabeth Bustos
Agency Equity Liaison Health and Human Services Agency 619-515-6587
Liberty Donnelly
Crystal Skerven
Central Regional Community Coordinator Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities (760) 607-2911
County and Voice & Viewpoint Discuss Homeless Solutions and More
In the latest town hall addressing important community topics, the County of San Diego and Voice & Viewpoint came together to discuss how the new department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities (HSEC) is supporting under-resourced San Diegans.
The virtual town hall, held Wednesday, Dec. 14, was moderated by Voice & Viewpoint Publisher Dr. John Warren and County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) Director Nick Macchione.
After welcoming remarks by Macchione and Dr. Warren, touching on the importance of community feedback surrounding the issues of homelessness, equitable resources and refugee and immigrant services, HSEC Community Operations Officer Barbara Jiménez gave a brief presentation.
Jiménez shared information about HSEC’s work to ensure equity among San Diegans and reduce homelessness in the region by better coordinating County resources and serving as a central point of collaboration for community partners.
The HSEC team joining the town hall included Dijana Beck, Director of the Office of Homeless Solutions, Jennifer Bransford-Koons, Director of the Office of Equitable Communities, Lucero Chavez Basilio, Director of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, Liberty Donnelly, HSEC Deputy Director Crystal Skerven, HSEC Central Regional Community Coordinator and Elizabeth Bustos, HHSA Equity Liaison.
The presentation on the department’s work outlined steps the County is taking to improve the system for historically under-resourced communities. It covered an increase in collaboration with critical partners in local governments and nonprofits to provide widespread community resources and expanded outreach to meet people where they are.
Jiménez said creating a more equitable San Diego begins with the people who are doing the work. HSEC, which launched in July of 2021, has stressed the importance of a diverse workforce, hiring team members who live, work and play in the areas they serve and who have lived experiences such as immigrants and refugees and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
In their work to build equity and break down barriers, HSEC has expanded services to those experiencing homelessness by launching more outreach teams that are able to link people to County services like CalFresh, MediCal and CalWorks by completing applicatogether to achieve progress.
tions and determining eligibility in the field. “No one entity can do it alone,” Jiménez said. “The vision of this department is to work with partners and community organizations doing tremendously important work and collaborate with other local governments in order to best serve our community.” includes Southeastern San Diego, the Office of Homeless Solutions reported 11,027 engagements in the last fiscal year that included 874 connections to shelter and housing.
Another program, called Communities in Action, is helping families and individuals by assessing household needs and providing supportive services as well as increasing access to classes and workshops for things like career development and domestic violence prevention. For example, the Office of Homeless Solutions leads direct services like case management and distribution of emergency housing vouchers for those experiencing homelessness in the County’s unincorporated areas. It also leads outreach in smaller jurisdictions that may not have the capacity to set up their own outreach teams. In a larger incorporated jurisdiction such as the City of San Diego, the The Office of Equitable Communities participated in more than 484 community events and distributed county resources that directly touched the lives of more than 39,000 people.
Following the presentation, questions from town hall attendees were answered. They were wide ranging, covering recent increases in homelessness and possible reasons why, the challenges of rapid rent increases and plans for building more permanent affordable housing.
When it comes to the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, Jiménez emphasized the work being done to ensure culturally and linguistically appropriate services are offered to help immigrants and refugees adapt to their new environment. The department has held listening sessions to ensure community voices are heard. The town hall presentation under- office collaborates with city teams scored the importance of working to build a more robust response system to homelessness. Another example of collaboration is the County’s Capital Emergency Housing Grant Program which recently made $10 million in funding opportunities available to the County’s 18 incorporated cities. Six 2 cities were awarded the money to support a variety of shelter and safe parking projects. The presentation also highlighted the direct impact in the community. In the central region that
The entire Q&A sessions is availREMEMBERING, HONORING, AND ENACTING able to view within the recording. The link is on the Voice & Viewpoint website. For more information about San Diego County Homeless Solutions PThe Dream and Equitable Communities, visit the HSEC website. The entire town hall series is available by searching online for San Diego HHSA YouTube channel and click on “videos.” Article courtesy of the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency. BE A PART OF The Reality Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. SPECIAL EDITION January 12, 2023
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REMEMBERING, HONORING, AND ENACTING REMEMBERING, HONORING, AND ENACTING REMEMBERING, HONORING, AND ENACTING The Dream REMEMBERING, HONORING, AND ENACTING The Dream 3 REMEMBERING, HONORING, AND ENACTING The Dream T he D ream Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. SPEC I AL EDITION January 1 , 202 RE SE R VE YO UR AD S ACE TODA Y! Deadline for ad copy is Friday, January , 202 3 Email: ads@sdvoice.info Phone: 619-266-2233 BE A PART OFThe R ealityT he D ream 6 REMEMBERING, HONORING, AND ENACTING The Dream Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. SPECIAL EDITION January 12, 2023 RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE TODAY! Deadline for ad copy is Friday, January 6, 2023 Email: ads@sdvoice.info Phone: 619-266-2233 BE A PART OF The Reality REMEMBERING, HONORING, AND ENACTING The Dream
