The California Black Media Political Playback

By Tanu Henry CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA

In the news: Black Caucus Chair Lori Wilson is receiving medical treatment for cancer, Weber running for state senate and Tennessee Three

California Legislative Black Caucus Chair Lori Wilson Is Receiving Medical Treatment for Cancer

On Friday, California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) Chair Lori Wilson (D-Suisun) announced that she is receiving treatment for Breast Cancer.

The lawmaker, who was elected last year, thanked supporters for all the love and support she has received and assured constituents that she will still be fighting for their interests.

“I remain steadfast in my dedication to serve the residents of the 11th Assembly District,” Wilson said.

Assemblymember Akilah Weber to Run for State Senate

On April 6, Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) announced she is entering the race to replace Senate President pro tempore Toni Atkins, who is termed out at the end of this year.

Weber, who is also a physician, represents the 79 th Assembly District in the greater San Diego area.

“I have successfully fought to improve access to quality healthcare, strengthen our education system, protect our environment, and further economic prosperity,” Weber said in a statement. “As State Senator for District 39, I will continue this fight.”

Weber’s announcement came roughly a week after County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher withdrew from the race citing his battle with alcohol abuse and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Fletcher is also facing allegations of sexual harassment and infidelity.

American democracy took another stake through the heart in Tennessee, where Republicans in the state House of Representatives shamelessly ignored the will of voters and ousted two Black elected Democrats who joined a protest against gun violence.

The GOP supermajority in Tennessee declined to remove Rep. Gloria Johnson, a white Democrat who joined the protest.

“It’s pretty clear why,” she continued, insisting that the move primarily results from racism.

Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, along with Johnson, protested on the House floor after the murder of three 9-year-old students and three adults at an elementary school in Nashville.

The trio called for gun reform and led chants inside the House chamber.

Jones and Pearson were expelled. They said they were blocked from speaking about gun violence, and GOP leaders cut their microphones, leading them to use a bullhorn to get their message across.

Republican Reps. Bud Hulsey, Andrew Farmer, and Gino Bulso followed up by removing all three elected Democrats from their committee assignments and issuing three resolutions calling for their ouster from the state legislature.