Vol. 63 No. 21 | Thursday, May 25, 2023

By Staff Writer VOICE &

VIEWPOINT

Memorial Day, a day set aside in history by former slaves in Charleston South Carolina, is one more expression of our contribution to America. In May of 1865, history tells us that, during the Civil War, the Confederate Army converted the city race track in Charleston, South Carolina into a prison camp to hold captured Union soldiers. The conditions in which these soldiers were kept is reported to have been so bad that at least 257 died of disease and were buried in a mass grave behind the grandstand of the track.

After the Confederate evacuation of Charleston, Black workmen, ‘most of whom were reported to be former slaves,’ went to the site and reburied

Excess Mortality and Years of Life Lost Among Black Population

By Stacy M. Brown

CORRESPONDENT

A new study shows that after some progress, the number of deaths and years of possible life lost among America’s Black population stopped going down and then started going up again.

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) said their results show that new ways of doing things are needed. JAMA looked at statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which showed that when the coronavirus pandemic hit the world in 2020, the number of deaths and years of potential life lost went up.

District 4 Candidates Forum Held at Copley Price YMCA

the Union soldiers, built a fence around the cemetery and an archway over an entrance and called the fallen dead, “Martyrs of the Race Course.”

Lincoln H.S. Gets Key to City

By Voice & Viewpoint Staff

NAACP ISSUES FLORIDA TRAVEL BAN FOR MINORITIES

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA NEWSWIRE SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT

The NAACP Board of Directors has issued a formal travel advisory for the state of Florida. According to a news release from the nation’s oldest civil rights organization, the travel advisory comes in direct response to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools.”

The formal travel notice states, “Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.

“Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.”

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said he wanted the message to resonate.

“Let me be clear – failing to teach an accurate representation of the horrors and inequalities that Black Americans have faced and continue to face is a disservice to students and a dereliction of duty to all,” Johnson stated.

“Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon,” he continued.

“He should know that democracy will prevail because its defenders are prepared to stand up and fight. We’re not backing down, and we encourage our allies to join us in the battle for the soul of our nation.”

According to the release, the travel advisory was initially proposed to the Board of Directors by NAACP’s Florida State Conference.

NAACP’s collective consideration of the advisory is a result from unrelenting attacks on fundamental freedoms from the Governor and his legislative body, the organization asserted.

See NAACP page 2

In what was a first ever event, Mayor Todd Gloria and the San Diego City Council presented the Key to the City of San Diego to Lincoln High School in a ceremony in the City Council Chamber. With Fourth District Representative, Monica Montgomery-Steppe at his side, the school’s Varsity Football Team was recognized for their victory in the California Interscholastic Federation Championships. The Team, known as the “Hornets, finished their 2022 season 13-1, claiming the Division 1-AA CIF State Championship with a 33-28 victory over De La Salle High School, cementing their place in California football history. The Key to the City is the City’s highest ceremonial award. The Council President pro Tem presented a proclamation declaring May 27,2023 “Lincoln High School Football Day” in the City of San Diego.

The honors continue to roll in for high achievement student athletes at Abraham Lincoln High School and their outstanding coaching staff.

See LINCOLN page 2

PHOTO: Darrel Wheeler

PHOTO: NNPA

PHOTO: NNPA

ARTICLE CONTINUATION

memorial:

Continued from cover

Later, white missionaries and teachers reportedly staged a parade of 10,000 people honoring the dead with 3,000 Black school children carrying flowers and singing. Several hundred Black women followed with baskets of flowers, wreaths, and crosses. They were followed by Black men marching in cadence who were followed by contingents of Union infantrymen. Within the cemetery, spirituals were sung and a number of Black ministers read from the bible. When the ceremonies dedicating the site were over, the crowds went into the fields nearby and enjoyed picnics, listened to speeches, and watched soldiers drill. Among them were the following “colored” troops: the famous 54th of Massachusetts and the 34th and 104th United States Colored Troops. But some versions of history have attempted to change the facts, giving credit for the ceremonies to a Union General, John Logan, who issued a decree for what was then named “Decoration Day,” on May 5th, 1868. Three years and four days after the former slaves and Blacks of Charleston, South Carolina had established the above-cited tradition. Efforts to stop or erase the contribution of Blacks to what is now a national holiday did not stop there. The park where the race track prison camp once stood was renamed Hampton Park after Confederate General Wade Hampton, who became Governor of South Carolina after the Civil War; in 1966, former President Lyndon B. Johnson declared Waterloo, New York the official birthplace of Memorial Day; and in 1971, Congress established “Memorial Day” as an official federal holiday to honor all Americans who have fallen in U.S. Wars. Writers and scholars, among them former AlterNet writer, Sarah Lazare, and Hurston/ Wright Foundation fellow, Victoria Massie, are all to be given credit for their research and writings that can be used in articles like this one to keep our history alive in spite of organized efforts to erase it.

NAACP:

Continued from cover

Following DeSantis’ ordering the state to reject students’ access to AP African American studies course in March, the NAACP distributed 10,000 books to 25 predominantly Black communities across the state in collaboration with the American Federation of Teachers’ Reading Opens the World program.

Most of the books donated were titles banned under the state’s increasingly restrictive laws.

The NAACP vowed to continue to encourage local branches and youth councils to start community libraries to ensure access to representative literature.

The organization said in the release that it has encouraged all Florida residents to join the effort to defeat the “regressive policies of this Governor and this state legislature.”

“Once again, hate-inspired state leaders have chosen to put politics over people. Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state of Florida have engaged in a blatant war against principles of diversity and inclusion and rejected our shared identities to appeal to a dangerous, extremist minority,” said Chair of the NAACP Board of Directors, Leon Russell.

“We will not allow our rights and history to be held hostage for political grandstanding,” Russell stated.

“The NAACP proudly fights against the malicious attacks in Florida, against Black Americans. I encourage my fellow Floridians to join in this fight to protect ourselves and our democracy.”

The NAACP asked that interested residents and supporters visit www.naacp.org for additional information and updates.

WARNING:

Crude oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, and other petroleum products can expose you to chemicals including toluene and benzene, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. These exposures can occur in and around oil fields, refineries, chemical plants, transport and storage operations, such as pipelines, marine terminals, tank trucks, and other facilities and equipment. For more information go to: www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/petroleum.

The foregoing warning is provided pursuant to Proposition 65. This law requires the Governor of California to publish a list of chemicals “known to the State to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.” This list is compiled in accordance with a procedure established by the Proposition, and can be obtained from the California Environmental Protection Agency. Proposition 65 requires that clear and reasonable warnings be given to persons exposed to the listed chemicals in certain situations.

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lincoln:

Continued from cover

“We have been working hard ever since the summer and we would not be stopped. A ceremony like this is proof that hard work pays off,” senior Corey Thompson Miller shared, while Head Football Coach David Dunn fought back tears when speaking about his amazing student athletes and their accomplishments on the football field and, more importantly, in the classroom.

Celebrations continue with a parade this Saturday at the high school.

mortality:

Continued from cover

Compared to white people, 1.63 million more Black people died than they should have. Experts said that’s the equivalent of 80 million years of potential life during the study period, which took place from 1999 to 2020.

“After a period of progress in reducing disparities, improvements stopped, and differences between the Black population and the white population got worse in 2020,” JAMA experts wrote.

Because of the pandemic, experts stated that years of growth had ended. They said the pandemic affected Black Americans more than other groups.

Herman Taylor, one of the study’s authors and head of the cardiovascular research institute at the Morehouse School of Medicine, said, “The study is very important for about 1.63 million reasons.”

“Real lives are being lost. Real families are missing parents and grandparents,” Taylor declared. “Babies and their mothers are dying. We have been screaming this message for decades.”

Clyde Yancy, an author of the study and chief of cardiology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, told reporters that high death rates among Black people have less to do with their genes.

However, it has more to do with the country’s long history of discrimination, which has hurt generations of Black people’s chances of getting an education, a good place to live, and a good job.

California Takes Steps

to Crack Down on Housing Discrimination

By Aldon Thomas Stiles CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA

Since the early 1990s, landlords and managers nationwide have partnered with law enforcement to implement “crime-free housing” policies. These policies aim to reduce criminal activities such as drug use and gang activity.

In California, crime-free housing has become increasingly controversial. Advocates and some state officials have been railing against these policies for being discriminatory.

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Yancy said that Black areas redlined in the 1930s, meaning that mortgages and other investments were too “high risk” for them, are still poorer and sicker today. He remarked that there were also more COVID infections and deaths in ZIP codes that used to be redlined.

“It’s very clear that we have an uneven distribution of health,” Yancy said. “We’re talking about the freedom to be healthy.”

In 2021, non-Hispanic white Americans could expect to live to 76 years old, but nonHispanic Black Americans could only hope to live to 71 years old. A big reason for this difference is another study that showed that non-Hispanic Black babies are 2.5 times more likely to die before their first birthday than non-Hispanic white babies.

Non-Hispanic Black mothers are more than three times more likely to die from a pregnancyrelated problem than non-Hispanic white moms.

On April 21, California Attorney General (AG) Rob Bonta announced new guidance for crime-free housing policies statewide, pointing out that the former rules disproportionately impacted “people of color, survivors of domestic violence, people with disabilities, and justice-involved individuals,” according to the press release from the Attorney General’s office.

“The statewide guidance issued today presents clear legal standards and procedures to proactively prevent discriminatory housing practices within localities,” stated Bonta. “Tenants have rights under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and other California laws that protect against many forms of housing discrimination, and this guide aims to ensure we are eliminating barriers to housing and promoting equal opportunities.”

Across California, 147 cities and counties have adopted revised policies aimed at eliminating discrimination, including some of the state’s most populated cities like Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland and Sacramento.

PHOTOS: Darrel Wheeler

PHOTO: CBM

EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY/OPINION

Support For the Subway Killer of Jordan Neely

By Dr. John E. Warren PUBLISHER, THE SAN DIEGO VOICE & VIEWPOINT

America should be looking very closely at the outpouring of money and support for Daniel James Penny, 24, the White subway passenger who put Jordan Neely, Black, in a chokehold that ended his life. Neely’s crime was begging for food and money on a subway train, clearly to the annoyance of Penny and the other White men who allegedly held him down while Penny choked him to death.

It is very disturbing that of the over 41,000 people, hav ing given more than 2 million dollars to a defense fund for Penny, many of those supposedly gave “Thank You” notes attached to their donations. The tone of the notes suggest that those making the donations were White Extremists glad that Penny killed a Black man, supposedly seeing him as a threat because of his begging for food and money.

In contrast, a little more than 80 thousand dollars has been given to the Jordan Neely Go Fund Me for funeral arrangements.

There are two messages here. One, that there is a White element in America committed to rejoicing when a Black person is killed, regardless of the circumstances. They vote their approval with their dollars and give

encouragement to others who might see this as a signal to go out and kill some of us themselves. This creates an expectation that reward and financial support will follow such actions, not criminal punishment, as we saw with the hand slap of the White teenager killing people during the Black Lives Matter protest in Minnesota.

Black people in particular should respond to the Jordan Neely case with an outpouring of money and support to his family that makes a statement, in contrast, that Neely’s family has the support of all of us who look like him, regardless of our mental condition. We do not support being tried and executed by White Vigilantes, regardless of their reasons.

Also we must not allow the white media to wrap Daniel Penny in the flag of being an ex-marine. There is no such thing as an “ex-marine” and his being a Marine had nothing to do with the murder he committed by using excessive force in the same manner that George Floyd was murdered by an on-duty white police officer. Not only does Penny deserve to be charged with murder in the first degree because his actions were unnecessary and premeditated, but those who assisted him in this murder should be charged also.

Black people in particular and White and Latino and Asian Americans who know this was wrong, must vote with their voices and dollars for this family and everyone like them going forward who has been brought to this point of loss and suffering.

Let us remember that for evil to succeed all it takes is for good to do nothing.

Mama, Oh Mama

Tell your mother “Happy Mother’s Day” everyday

By Cheryl Smith TEXAS METRO NEWS

I have heard men talk about when their attitudes about women changed and usually this revealing moment comes when they found themselves looking into the eyes of their firstborn daughter. It’s like the moment the Grinch has in the Christmas movie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The Grinch was a “mean one!”

He was miserable and he wanted everyone else to be miserable also. You know, “misery loves company.” Well, I believe happiness loves company too, and while I want to spread love and happiness in the midst of the societal ills we are dealing with, I also want to spread justice, equality, consequences and repercussions. It would help if the Grinches of this world would have an attitude adjustment, a change of heart. Which brings me to my truth.

Parenting is hard. There’s no play book or guide. When you’re in school there are so many things that you can’t be taught and so you spend a significant portion of your life in a trial-and-error mode. Fortunately for me, my mother lived long enough for me to “get it,” to have an understanding of many of the “whys” we lived through and that I questioned. The Fresh Prince rapped, “Parents Just Don’t Understand.” I submit that children don’t understand either!

Financial Illiteracy Is Hurting California Students

By Prof. Mark Harris and Tatiana Howell UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, MERCED

Financial illiteracy is harming California’s students.

The issue of young people being unprepared for adulthood is often attributed to a lack of financial literacy. However, we believe that the root of the problem lies in the fact that many adults in California are themselves financially illiterate and therefore unable to impart this knowledge to the younger generation.

Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) has introduced legislation to address this problem, Assembly Bill (AB) 984. The bill aims to correct this travesty by mandating that instruction on personal finance be integrated into California’s K-12 public schools. AB 984 has the full support of California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, among many others.

The bill is currently under review in the Assembly Education Committee. Being financially literate is a crucial skill that everyone should have. It involves understanding and managing personal finances effectively, including skills such as budgeting, saving, investing, managing debt, and comprehending financial products like loans, credit cards, and insurance.

Sadly, many people lack financial literacy. A study conducted by the National Financial Educators Council found that only 24% of American adults have a basic understanding of financial literacy. This lack of knowledge can result in poor financial decisions, leading to debt, and financial instability.

Financial literacy is especially critical for young people. High school students are often ill-prepared to manage their finances when they enter college or the workforce. Many students take on student loan debt without fully understanding the long-term implications of their borrowing. This lack of knowledge can have lasting consequences, including difficulty repaying loans, damaged credit scores, and limited access to credit in the future.

As a lecturer on the subject, I have had the opportunity to stay connected with many of my former students through social media after they graduated. It’s not uncommon for me to offer them comfort when they discover that a salary close to $100,000 doesn’t stretch as far as they anticipated after accounting for taxes and living expenses. This is without even factoring in the weight of student debt, which cannot be eliminated through bankruptcy and can impact their credit for many years. Unfortunately, this is a harsh reality that catches many students off guard.

Entertainer, activist Harry Belafonte was interviewed by journalist Roland Martin and talked about his mom’s journey, which was challenging. He said he came to understand her better and elaborated about the significance of counseling. It is important and I highly recommend it. I am also grateful that l had that “Grinch moment” because it cemented my relationship with my mother, woman to woman. Later that year, when she transitioned, her celebration was scheduled for my birthday.

I remained close-mouthed because I didn’t want anyone saying I was trying to run things. Then a lightbulb went off and someone said, “That’s Cheryl’s birthday, we need to change it.” When I protested a change, I was told that every birthday I was going to remember “Mother.” My response was that every day I was going to remember her, so it didn’t matter.

As I spoke at her service, I said, “It was a Friday, June 20 when she looked at my face for the first time and here it is Friday, June 20, 2014 and I am looking at her for the last time. My message to everyone reading these words is to reach an understanding before it is too late. Have that Grinch moment. It is a two-way street, true; but you can’t make the decision for anyone but yourself and it’s a great way to move toward healing and living a more rewarding life. So, if your mom is alive, consider, if you haven’t already, finding out her “why.”

It could be a healing experience! “And tell her “Happy Mother’s Day,” everyday!”

Cheryl Smith is the owner, Publisher and Editor of Texas Metro News and I Messenger Media.

According to a recent study conducted by SmartAsset, a person would need to net over $84,000 in annual salary to live “comfortably” in the San Francisco Bay Area. They would need to net $80,000 to live in San Diego or Chula Vista, and almost $77,000 to live comfortably in the Greater Los Angeles area. Those markets would require a person to earn a “pre-tax” annual salary of more than $100,000, which for a recent college graduate, is near impossible.

Financial illiteracy can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the individual. When people make uniformed financial decisions, it can have a domino effect on the economy. For example, during the 2008 financial crisis, many people lost their homes due to subprime mortgages, which were offered. This triggered a recession that impacted the economy on a larger scale.

To address this issue, financial literacy education should be a priority in K-12 schools, community colleges, and universities. Students should learn about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. They should also learn about financial products such as credit cards, loans, and insurance. Additionally, they should be taught how to protect their identity and avoid fraud.

Promoting financial literacy education should not be confined to the classroom. Employers can also play a role in educating their employees about managing their finances. Companies can sponsor financial education programs, including workshops and seminars. Additionally, employers can offer access to financial advisors and other resources to help their employees make informed financial decisions.

We hope the California Legislature will adopt AB 984 and forward it to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his signature.

AB 984 will go a long way in correcting this pervasive problem.

Mark T. Harris, Esq., is a Continuing Lecturer for Management and Business Economics at UC Merced. Tatiana Howell is a junior majoring in Sociology & Management and Business Economics at UC Merced.

District 4 Special Election Candidate Forum Held

By Malachi Kudura Contributing Writer

Thursday, May 18th, 2023, the San Diego County District 4 Supervisor Special Election Candidate Forum at the Copley Price YMCA took place. The forum was hosted by Shane Harris, President and Founder of People’s Association of Justice Advocates. Members of the community attentively listened to the candidates in the San Diego County District 4 special election.

The topics discussed: “The County’s Response to Homelessness and A New Way of Looking at the County’s Foster Care System.” Special Election candidates Janessa Goldbeck and Amy Reichert were both in attendance for this forum, but missing from the event was candidate Monica Montgomery Steppe.

San Diego City Councilwoman Monica Montgomery Steppe tweeted, “Charging money for this event disadvantages the very people it is supposed to be helping.” She continued, “That’s why I will not be participating tonight.”

Shane Harris addressed the attendees to clear the air and said, “Two hundred dollars is not why she’s not here. She is not here tonight because she does not want to address these questions.”

Kenya Taylor, President of NAACP San Diego Chapter, asked both candidates “Why should my sons vote for you?”

Janessa Goldbeck answered, “We need to encourage our younger generation to be more involved in voting. The [more young] folks [who] come out to vote, the more they are going to get leaders who listen and want to build a

MAYOR GLORIA’S Fireside Chat

Last Thursday evening, the day before the late Malcolm X’s 98th Birthday observance, the City of San Diego Mayor, Todd Gloria, came to the Malcolm X Library for what was called a Fireside

Chat. The event was sponsored by the San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce and appeared to draw a capacity crowd. The Chamber’s President and CEO, Donna DeBerry, handled the introductions of the Mayor and

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world they want to live in.” Amy Reichert responded, “I would tell your sons, I will fight for them, I will fight for their civil rights.”

key members of his staff. Ms. DeBerry indicated to the audience that a list of specific questions had been submitted and selected for the conversation with the Mayor.

The Mayor spoke of the city as an organization with

11,000, which had never had diversity or inclusion on the scale that his administration brought with people of color in leadership at all levels starting with his Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Eric Dargans and extending to his department heads with Kim Desmond as Chief Diversity Officer responsible for ensuring inclusion and diversity in all departments. She and Chida Warren-Darby, Director of Boards and Commissions for the City, were on hand with the Mayor.

A big question was the seven million dollar increase in this city budget proposed for the Police Department. The Mayor’s response was that with a shortage of some 200 police officers, there is a greater demand for overtime. In addition, with fuel and maintenance costs up, operating expenses have increased across all departments. He mentioned that the city has some 4,000

vehicles that must be maintained. He reminded the audience that this year’s budget is the City’s first equity budget. Meaning that every department is required to reflect equity and inclusion in its operating expenses. He also spoke of the Independent Police Review Commission which is under the City Council and not the Mayor. This week, five days

after the fireside chat the City Council finally appointed the five Commissioners mandated for this body.

See FIRESIDE page 15

s Shane Harris Janessa Goldbeck was one of two candidates who participated in the forum.

PHOTOS: Malachi Kudura

s

Voice & Viewpoint Staff

SANDAG Youth Opp Passes Extended to June 2024

According to a recent SANDAG press release, the SANDAG Board of Directors recently the extension of the Youth Opportunity Pass (YOP) through June 2024.

“In the first year of the Youth Opportunity Pass program, the estimated number of youth riders using MTS services has more than tripled, from just over 9,000 riders per month last April to an estimated 32,000 youth riders this April,” said MTS Acting Board Chair and San Diego Councilmember, District 3 Stephen Whitburn.

SANDAG’s YOP gives young people 18 and under access to unlimited free rides on the bus, Trolley, COASTER, and SPRINTER with a Youth PRONTO account. SANDAG, together with Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD), have distributed more than 40,000 PRONTO cards around the San Diego region and more 150,000 Youth PRONTO accounts are currently active.

“These riders are important to the prosperity of our transit system, and we’re proud to be a vital bridge between youth and the opportunities that will build a brighter future for them,” said Whitburn.

In 2022, YOP was funded through a combination of federal funds— $6.13 million allocated through SANDAG and $1.5 million through the County of San Diego. Since the start of YOP, the press release stated, youth around the San Diego region took more than six million rides.

Anyone 18 and under can now ride

Tenn. Rep. Justin Jones Talks About His Expulsion, Gun Control at Calif. State Capitol

transit for free through the SANDAG Youth Opportunity Pass pilot program. Use these three easy steps to get unlimited rides on the bus, Trolley, COASTER, and SPRINTER:

Get PRONTO

• Download the free PRONTO app and create an account. Go to the “Manage” tab to find your card account number. Then, fill out the online form at www.sdmts. com or call PRONTO Support at 619-595-5636 to convert your account from Adult to Youth.

• If you don’t have a smartphone, your school can give you a free, pre-activated PRONTO Youth card. Just ask your school’s front office for a pass.

• If you work for a school or community organization? You can request a bulk order of PRONTO Youth Passes.

Get Ready

• Use the ‘Next Departure’ and ‘Trip Planner’ tools in the PRONTO app to plan your trip and learn when buses near you are coming. We also recommend Google Maps or the OneBusAway app to help plan your trip on your smartphone to plan your trip

• You can also visit MTS and NCTD to build your route and find the closest transit station

Get Riding

• Plan to arrive at the transit station/stop a few minutes before the listed time on the schedule

• R emember to scan your app or tap your card every time you ride, including transfers

• Don’t forget to ride with proof of your age.

Visit www.sandag.org or email YouthOpportunityPass@sandag. org for more information.

By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

Last Week, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) welcomed Tennessee lawmaker and Oakland native Justin Jones to the State Capitol in Sacramento.

The visit occurred one month after Jones was expelled from the Tennessee legislature for participating in a protest on the Tennessee State House floor demanding urgent action on gun control. Jones has since been reinstated, and was recognized on the California Assembly floor with a resolution condemning his expulsion and that of fellow Black Democrat Justin J. Pearson by the Tennessee Legislature.

Jones told a roomful of reporters at the Capitol that he participated in the demonstration to “protect kids, not guns.”

“They tried to make a public spectacle out of us,” Jones said of the Republican lawmakers who voted to expel him.

“But what they didn’t realize is that the nation was watching, and that the nation was seeing the immoral decision being made to expel lawmakers instead of passing common-sense gun laws that the majority of Tennesseans, the majority of Americans, are calling for in this moment,” he added.

Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) and Assemblymembers Tina McKinnor (D- Inglewood), Reggie JonesSawyer (D-Los Angeles) and Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) – all CLBC members -- attended the event.

Senate President pro Tempore, Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) stood with Jones and the other lawmakers.

“I’m thinking about all of us are standing here united from the Tennessee State House to the California State House with a clear message that if you come for one of us you come for all of us,” Jones said. “This is what multi-racial democracy looks like and we will not let any type of authoritarian, anti-democratic force take us back in our history, a time we don’t want to go to.”

The Assembly unanimously voted 60-0 to disapprove of the actions taken by the Republican controlled

Tennessee House chamber. The resolution, AJR 5, was authored by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (DGardena), who has authored and supported several other pieces of gun-control legislation.

Assembly Republican Minority Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) praised Jones for speaking up on behalf of his constituents in Tennessee and pledged his full support for AJR 5. However, he also criticized his Democratic colleagues for not bringing wildfire prevention and anti-Fentanyl bills to the Assembly floor.

Gallagher said he was close to bringing “a megaphone” and coming onto the floor” to discuss those issues, which he said are priorities for his caucus.

“Don’t get up here and preach to me about democracy and talk about other states. The message about Rep. Jones is not just about Tennessee. It’s for you,” Gallagher said. “The bottom line is, if we want to ensure democracy, we better do it right here at home. Do a little soul-searching first before you make this into a day of the panderer.”

Gipson said gun control is an important issue that must be addressed in California and across the country due to the increasing frequency of mass shootings around the nation.

“Tennessee tried to snuff out democracy. Tried to silence the voices of the representatives that represent their constituency. If we stood by as Californians and did nothing, we would have been guilty of remaining silent about the things that matter,” Gipson said.

After the tragic shooting at Covenant School in Nashville that resulted in the loss of three children and three adults, Democratic Rep-

resentatives Gloria Johnson, Pearson, and Jones joined a group of protesters at the state capitol. These legislators, whose districts are in Memphis, Knoxville, and Nashvillethe state’s three largest cities - have been dubbed the ‘Tennessee Three’ by the media.

On April 6, the Republican-controlled state House held separate votes to expel Johnson, Pearson, and Jones from their elected positions for joining in a youth-led protest.

While Jones and Pearson were expelled, Johnson, who is White, narrowly avoided expulsion by one vote. A week later, Jones and Pearson were unanimously reinstated by the Nashville Metro Council and Shelby County Commission respectively.

Born in Oakland, Jones earned a Bachelor of Art degree in political science from Fisk University, a Historical Black College and University (HBCU) in Nashville. He has worked as an activist and a fellow for the John Lewis Center for Social Justice and he served on the board of directors of the Tennessee Healthcare Campaign.

Jones was elected to his position representing Tennessee House District 52 in the general election held on Nov. 8, 2022.

During the news conference, Gipson said Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) was “responsible” for bringing Jones to the State Capitol, along with other advocates against gun violence from Northern California.

Bonta said she was both “inspired” by Jones and “heartbroken” to discuss the issue of gun violence. She added that protecting Democracy and supporting Jones and his Tennessee colleagues was imperative to saving lives.

“We needed to make sure that brother Jones and brother Pearson knew that while they are fighting this battle without the kind of support they need in the state of Tennessee that California will have their backs (and) Oakland will have their backs. Son of Oakland: we’re with you every single day,” Bonta said.

PHOTO: SANDAG.ORG

ARTS & CULTURE

Remembering Football Hall of Famer, Jim Brown

Brown had a lasting impact on and off field

By Jessica Gresko Associated Press

Jim Brown was both extraordinary and extraordinarily complicated. One man. Many versions. His greatness on the football field is beyond reproach. For generations, Brown, who died Thursday night peacefully at his home in Los Angeles, has long been the standard of excellence for running backs, a freakish blend of brute power and blazing speed who in many ways changed the NFL forever.

Cleveland’s No. 32 is in a class by himself.

“He’s (No.) 1,” said Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, the league’s career rushing leader. “(Walter) Payton, two. I fall three.’’

But there is so much more than broken tackles and shattered records to Brown, who walked away from the game at his physical peak to pursue a film career, helping break barriers in Hollywood for Black actors.

There’s the social activist and civil rights champion who used his platform to promote change during one of the most turbulent decades in U.S. history.

And there’s a much less flattering personal side to Brown, who was accused of domestic violence during a time when women’s cries for help

were often completely ignored or muted.

Although he was arrested more than a half-dozen times, Brown was never convicted of a serious crime as many of his accusers refused to testify or he was cleared in court. Those transgressions, however, tarnished his image and made it tough for even the most loyal Browns fans to support him.

As a football player, he was nearly flawless.

An All-American at Syracuse, where he also starred in lacrosse, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound Brown, born in Georgia and raised on Long Island, was nothing like the NFL had ever seen when he burst on the scene in 1957.

Flattening tacklers with a deadly stiff arm, making them miss with a stutter step or simply outrunning them, he led the league in rushing as a rookie. He didn’t stop there.

Over the next eight seasons, Brown racked up 12,312 yards rushing, scored 126 touchdowns and averaged 5.2 yards per carry. Despite playing in just 118 games - he never missed one - he still ranks among career leaders in average (third), rushing TDs (sixth) and rushing yards (11th).

But perhaps more significantly, Brown, who ran for a career-high 1,863 yards in 1963, became a sports symbol of Black excellence.

“Jim Brown really represented achievement for the Black community and he was so good that it didn’t matter what color they were, they had to acknowledge him as the best in his field,” NBA superstar Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said. ‘’And that meant a lot to Black Americans in the 60s when anything that any Black person achieved was questioned.

‘’There were no question marks about Jim Brown.’’ Those would come later.

After he rushed for 1,544 yards, scored 17 TDs and won his third league MVP in 1965, Brown retired, informing the Browns while on the set of “The Dirty Dozen” in England. While his decision stunned the team and shocked the sports world, it was vintage Brown.

He always did things his way.

During an era when athletes, especially Black athletes, were reluctant to speak their minds for fear of backlash or worse, Brown stepped forward.

While he was still playing, Brown founded the Negro Industrial and Economic Union, an organization focused on creating jobs and supporting Black entrepreneurs.

In 1967, Brown invited some of the nation’s top Black athletes, including Boston Celtics star Bill Russell and Lew Alcindor (later to be known

Justice Jackson Says ‘Survivor’ Has Helpful Lessons for Law Students

By Jessica Gresko Associated Press

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson called herself a “Survivor superfan” on Saturday and offered an audience of graduating law school students lessons from the reality TV show.

The show has been on television for 23 years and is now in its 44th season. Jackson said she has seen every episode since the show’s second season.

“I watch it with my husband and my daughters even now, which I will admit it’s not easy to do with the demands of my day job. But you have to set priorities, people. And that’s exactly the first lesson that I have for you today,” she told the graduating class of American University’s law school in Washington.

Jackson, the court’s first Black female justice, is coming to the end of her first term on the court. The justices are done hearing arguments for the term and are expected to issue all their remaining opinions

by the end of June before going on summer break. Major decisions on affirmative action and President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan have yet to be announced.

In her address, Jackson described “Survivor,” in which contestants are deposited in a remote tropical location and undertake challenges in the hopes of ultimately winning $1 million, as “great fun to watch.” But she also said it holds “a number of broader lessons that are helpful for becoming a good lawyer. “

One lesson, she said, is to “make the most of the resources that you have,’’ drawing a parallel to when she was a federal public defender and prosecutors always seemed to have more resources. Jackson said she knows “what it is like to commit to moving forward even when the deck is stacked against you” and also talked about a Survivor contestant with a prosthetic leg who nonetheless prevailed at a difficult challenge involving a balance beam.

“My advice to you is to do your best to shut out distractions, use your time wisely and figure out how to make the most of what you have,”

Jackson said.

Other lessons from the show are to “know your strengths” and to “play the long game,” she said.

That last piece of advice could serve the liberal justice well on the Supreme Court, where her colleagues include six conservatives and two other liberals, making it unlikely her views will prevail in some of the term’s most contentious cases when they are announced over the next several weeks.

“Season after season, the players who tend to do really well are those who appear to come in with the understanding that this game is about existing both in community and conflict,” she said of ‘’Survivor.’’

Jackson said that players who go far are the ones that “choose optimism, lifting the spirits of the other tribe members, no matter what happens.”

“They try to stay as even-keeled as possible, not getting too carried away by dramatic wins or heartbreaking losses,” she said.

Jackson’s commencement address was the first she has given since becoming a justice. The school’s law school dean, Roger Fairfax, is someone she met in college at Harvard University. His wife, Lisa Fairfax, is one of Jackson’s best friends and former roommates and introduced her at her Senate confirmation hearing.

Jackson is also giving a commencement speech on Sunday at Boston University’s law school.

Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

as Abdul-Jabbar), to the Economic Union office in Cleveland to support Muhammad Ali, who had been stripped of his title for refusing to be drafted in protest of the Vietnam War.

It was that sense of power, fearlessness that drove Brown and empowered generations that followed.

“I hope every Black athlete takes the time to educate themselves about this incredible man and what he did to change all of our lives,” LeBron James posted shortly after Brown’s death. “We all stand on your shoulders Jim Brown. If you grew up in Northeast Ohio and were Black, Jim Brown was a God.’’

James has emulated Brown, perhaps more than any other star athlete in the past 60 years. Growing up in Northeast Ohio, he learned about Jim Brown the football player before recognizing there was so much more to him.

“I really just thought of him as the greatest Cleveland Brown to ever play,” James wrote on his Instagram page. ‘’Then I started my own journey as a professional athlete and realized what he did socially was his true greatness. When I choose to speak out, I always think about Jim Brown. I can only speak because Jim broke down those walls for me.”

As he readied for the opening tip of Game 3 in the 2015 NBA Finals in Cleveland, James noticed Brown sitting in a courtside seat. He turned toward the football icon, placed his hands together and bowed in respect, only to have Brown nod in return.

One year later, the two legends stood side by side on a stage after the Cavaliers ended the city’s 52-year championship drought. Brown handed James the Larry O’Brien Trophy in a symbolic passing of the torch.

He had already given him everything else.

Serena Williams Documentary in the Works at ESPN

Serena Williams has announced the start of production on her new ESPN series, In the Arena: Serena Williams

Williams ruled tennis for over 20 years, winning 23 Grand Slams (singles). Like the Emmy-winning Man in the Arena: Tom Brady, the Serena Williams installment of the franchise reportedly will be a multi-part series that features first-person perspective from Serena and key figures throughout her life to “provide the most complete, intimate, and compelling account of her legendary career.”

The series examines Williams’s most memorable Grand Slam tournaments and formative life moments. It contrasts Williams’s

triumphant professional career and cultural significance with her private struggles, including her battle to keep her tennis career on top while adjusting to the life-altering event of having a baby.

The Walt Disney Company said a new generation of competitors, eager to emulate Williams’ success and ultimately defeat her, marks a full circle in her career. The series revisits the superstar’s defining matches, formative moments, heartbreak, and glory to trace her personal and generational journey from phenom to icon across her whole career and into her legacy.

ESPN, Religion of Sports, 199 Productions (under the direction of Tom Brady), and Nine Two Six Productions (under the direction of Williams and Caroline Currier) will all produce the series, which Gotham Chopra will direct.

Photo: NNPA By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Former Cleveland Browns player Jim Brown, left, gets a hug from LeBron James, who holds the Larry O’Brien NBA championship trophy during a rally June 22, 2016, in Cleveland. Photo: Tony Dejak/AP File

Supreme Court Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson speaks at the commencement ceremony for American University’s Washington College of Law, Saturday, May 20, 2023, in Washington.

Photo: Patrick Semansky/AP

IRS Admits Targeting black Taxpayers For Audits

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel has acknowledged what many have known for some time: Black taxpayers face an IRS audit exponentially more than other groups.

Werfel acknowledged the disparity in a letter this week in which he responded to a request for information about the “apparent racial disparity” in selecting tax returns for audit, along with a plan to address the issue.

“When evidence of unfair treatment is presented, we must take immediate action to address it. It is also important to reiterate that we do not and will not consider race as part of our case selection and audit processes,” Werfel said in the letter addressed to the U.S. Senate.

“Nevertheless, a recent study estimated, using imputed race values, that Black taxpayers are audited at three to five times the rate of non-Black taxpayers. The research further suggests that most of this disparity is driven by differences in

correspondence audit rates among taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).”

He continued, “We are deeply concerned by these findings and committed to doing the work to understand and address any disparate impact of the actions we take.”

Werfel noted that as soon as Congress confirmed his appointment, he met with an IRS team that had already studied the issue of race discrimination in audits. He noted that the research has continued as authorities try to pinpoint what drives the disparity and how to fix the issue.

CDC Reveals Growing Concerns about Youth Behavior

Researchers discovered that Black taxpayers are five times more likely to face an audit when filing federal returns than any other race.

When President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS received $80 billion, which the agency pledged to use to determine a better system to eliminate such discrimination.

Werfel promised that the IRS would accelerate an existing research effort to detect and ensure compliance among “ghost preparers,” individuals who are paid to prepare returns for others but do not identify themselves to the IRS.

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared information from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), showing that young Americans face increasing health risks daily. According to the research, young people are dealing with various difficulties, including mental health, aggression, and poor health practices. They are also viewing the definition of sex differently.

The CDC released data to identify specific risk factors, develop interventions, and gain the support of families and youth. Data from around the country revealed that teenagers are battling suicidal ideation, bullying, dating violence, sexual assault, and poor nutrition and exercise habits.

For example, the percentage of children who spent more than two hours a day watching TV or playing video games climbed from 14.9% in 2013 to 55.5% in 2021. Furthermore, 23.5% of youth got eight or more hours of sleep on a typical school night, and only 21.7% got 60 minutes or more of physical activity daily.

Regarding mental health and

suicide, the statistics revealed that 41.5% of youngsters felt gloomy or despairing nearly every day for two weeks or more, a considerable increase from 33% in 2017. Female and homosexual, lesbian, and bisexual students were more likely to consider suicide than their male or heterosexual counterparts.

The YRBSS survey is done at high schools nationwide every other year. For years, research has shown a fall in the rates of sex among American high school students. The trend reportedly has continued, unsurprisingly, in the first years of the pandemic.

According to the survey, 30% of teens in 2021 reported having sex, down from 38% in 2019 and a significant reduction from three decades before, when more than half of kids reported having sex.

According to Associated Press research, for today’s youth, the dialogue about sexuality

is shifting from a binary to a spectrum, as are the types of sex they are having. While the language of sex is changing, the key question on the CDC poll has remained the same since the government agency began its biannual survey in 1991. Several experts told the AP that the CDC findings could indicate a shift in how teen sexuality is evolving, with gender fluidity becoming more widespread and stigma associated with not being heterosexual decreasing. They refer to another finding in this year’s research, which discovered that the proportion of high school students who identify as heterosexual had declined to around 75%, down from over 89% in 2015, when the CDC began asking about sexual orientation. Meanwhile, the proportion of people who identified as homosexual, gay, or bisexual increased to 15%, up from 8% in 2015.

Photo: NNPA

Photo: NNPA

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Peace, Food and Fertilizer:

African Leaders’ Challenge In Talks With Moscow, Kyiv

By Gerald Imray ASSOCIATED PRESS

A delegation of six African leaders set to hold talks with Kyiv and Moscow aim to “initiate a peace process,’’ but also broach the thorny issue of how a heavily- sanctioned Russia can be paid for the fertilizer exports Africa desperately needs, a key mediator who helped broker the talks said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Jean-Yves Ollivier, an international negotiator who has been working for six months to put the talks together, said the African leaders would also discuss the related issue of easing the passage of more grain shipments out of Ukraine amid the war and the possibility of more prisoner swaps when they travel to both countries on what they’ve characterized as a peace mission.

The talks will likely be next month, Ollivier said.

He arrived in Moscow on Sunday and will also go to Kyiv for meetings with high- level officials to work out ‘’logistics’’ for the upcoming talks. For one, the six African presidents would likely have to travel to Kyiv by night train from Poland amid the fighting, he said.

The talks also have the approval of the United States, the European Union, the United Nations, the African Union and China, Ollivier said in a video call with the AP on Friday. Neither side in the war appears ready to stop fighting, though.

The talks were announced last week by President Cyril Ramaphosa of

South Africa just as Russia launched an intense air attack on Kyiv. On Sunday, Russia claimed to have taken the key eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut after fierce fighting, a claim denied by Ukraine.

“We are not dreamers,” Ollivier said on the chances the African leaders will achieve an immediate breakthrough with regard to stopping the 15-month conflict. “Unless something happens, I don’t think we are going to finish our first mission with a ceasefire.”

The aim was to make a start, said Ollivier, a 78-year-old Frenchman who brought opposing sides together in high-stakes negotiations in the late 1980s that helped end apartheid in South Africa.

“It starts with signs. It starts with dialogue. And this is what we are going to try to do,’’ Ollivier said. “No guarantee that we are going to succeed but, for the time being, Russia and Ukraine have accepted ... a delegation coming specifically to their countries to talk about peace.”

A key starting point for Africa is grain and fertilizers.

The war has severely restricted the export of grain from Ukraine and fertilizers from Russia, exacerbating global food insecurity and hunger. Africa has been one of the hardest-hit continents. Last week, Russia agreed to a two-month extension of a deal brokered by Turkey and the U.N. that allows Ukraine to ship grain through the Black Sea and out to the world, and the six African presidents would like to see that extended further.

But they also need to broach ways of making it easier for African nations to receive shipments and pay Russia for fertilizers, Ollivier said. Russian fertilizer is not under international sanctions but the U.S. and some Western nations have targeted Russian cargo ships for sanctions. Russia’s access to the SWIFT global financial transaction system also has been restricted by the sanctions, leaving African nations struggling to order and pay for critical fertilizers.

“We will need to have a window whereby SWIFT will be authorized for this specific point,” Ollivier said. “That will be on the table and we hope that in that case we will gain the support of the Russians for the grains from Ukraine, and we will gain the

support of the Ukrainians to find payments and shipments possible for the Russian fertilizer.”

The African mission is not the only mediation effort. China offered its own peace proposal in February and a Chinese envoy has been in discussions with Ukrainian officials. But China’s plan has largely been dismissed by Ukraine’s Western allies and is clouded by Beijing’s political support for Moscow.

Ukraine and Russia are far apart in terms of any agreements that might form the base of a peace deal.

The African delegation still had a wide cross-section of backing, Ollivier said, after China also “came to

us and offered support” on the basis it would be a “parallel effort” to Beijing’s plan.

“More support, more weight will be put on the negotiation (with Moscow and Kyiv),” said Ollivier, the founding chairman of the Londonbased Brazzaville Foundation, an organization that deals with conflict resolution. “If one party says no, they will consider to who they are saying no. Are they saying no only to Jean-Yves Ollivier? To the Brazzaville Foundation? To the six (African) heads of state?”

“Or are they saying no to the United Nations, or to the Chinese, or to the Americans. To the British? To the European Union?’’

INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST’S MURDER IN LESOTHO POOR COUNTRIES FACE COLLAPSE OVER UNSUSTAINABLE BORROWING

BLASTED BY MEDIA GROUPS WORLDWIDE

By Lisa Vives GLOBAL INFORMATION NETWORK

Rarely does an attack on a journalist get worldwide attention, provoke alarm and outrage from the news writing community who cite threats to freedom of expression in a young and fledgling democracy nestled in the tip of South Africa.

But this time, the murder of radio journalist Ralikonelo ‘Leqhashasha’ Joki of Lesotho, a country few can find on the map, has stirred commentators from shore to shore.

Joki, the host of the current affairs show “Hlokoana-La-Tsels” (I heard it Through the Grapevine), worked for Ts-enolo FM radio station and covered government, agriculture and corruption.

He was shot at least 13 times on May 14 by unknown assailants as he left the studio at 10pm after his Sunday evening show.

The Lesotho chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) responded within hours, calling Joki’s death an attempt to silence journalists. He was often critical of politicians and government policy and had received death threats.

Kananelo Boloetse, chair of MISA-Lesotho, said Joki had phantom Facebook accounts created in his name in the months before his death.

“The killing itself is alarming and paints a frightening picture of Lesotho in the international community,”

said Boloetse. “From Sunday, Lesotho is now being seen as a country where journalism is risking your life.”

Another little known fact is that Lesotho has the third-highest homicide rate in the world, behind El Salvador and Jamaica, according to the latest World Population Review report, with 43.5 murders for every 100,000 people. El Salvador recorded 52 and Jamaica 43.8.

For now, police minister Lebona Lephema has revoked all firearm licenses, saying killings “seem to have skyrocketed”. In January, Chief of Police Holomo Molibeli stopped any new firearm licenses being issued.

But a rampant gun culture does not feature prominently in the discussions to end gun-related murders that have increased in recent years.

Army Commander Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli put it aptly last September when he said “owning a gun in Lesotho is like owning a blanket”.

Ghanaian journalist commented: “African journalists are dying. They need the world’s help to hold power to account.”

By Lisa Vives GLOBAL INFORMATION NETWORK

African countries that borrowed billions of dollars from international creditors and private lenders face painful repayment demands that threaten their budgets for schools, power, food and fuel.

After nail-biting negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ghana’s Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta announced this week that $600 million was scheduled to arrive soon - the first tranche of a 34 billion bailout approved by the lending institution. The remaining funds will be available over the next three years.

“I believe we have some excellent news to discuss today with the approval yesterday of a $3 billion3 year program for Ghana,” the minister said. “As you know Ghana has been facing a severe economic and financial crisis with a debt burden assessed as unsustainable.”

Ghana faced soaring inflation, high debt and a weakening currency when negotiations began with the IMF last July for a bailout package. The IMF agreed to the bailout after a two-week visit to the West African country.

The IMF funds should help Ghana emerge from a financial crisis made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic but will require changes to the country’s tax system and public spending.

According to the World Bank, Ghana is one of the most indebted countries on the continent, with a debt of $58 billion representing 105% of its GDP. Other countries with a heavy debt load are Angola, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sudan, Tunisia and Zambia.

“We focus a lot on the external debt to international creditors, but it is

important to bear in mind that most of Ghana’s public debt is domestic debt held by the country’s commercial banks,” said Marc Raffinot of Paris Dauphine University and a development specialist.

Back in January, 26 civil society and aid organizations penned an open letter calling on international creditors to cancel Ghana’s debt. Ghana’s public debt stood at over $46.7 billion by the end of September 2022, of which 42% was domestic debt.

According to the World Bank’s International Debt Statistics, 64% of Ghana’s scheduled foreign currency external debt service between 2023 and 2029 is to private lenders.

Twenty percent of the debt is to multilateral institutions and 6% to other governments. Notably, while mainstream reporting on Ghana’s debt scenario tends to emphasize China as the country’s “biggest bilateral creditor,” only 10% of Ac-

cra’s external debt service is owed to Beijing.

Meanwhile, Catholic Bishops serving in the humanitarian and development arm of the Church in Africa appealed to the Group of Seven (G7) countries who met in Hiroshima, Japan, to support African countries that are struggling with poverty, including the possibility of canceling debts that are “unpayable”.

“Last year, over 300 million people experienced food insecurity, exacerbating drivers of conflict and social tension in many African countries and making governance more fragile,” they said

“There is a need for financial reform along ethical lines that would produce in its turn an economic reform to benefit everyone,” Pope Francis was quoted to say. “We are all debtors: to God, who is so generous, and to our brothers and sisters. We are all ‘in deficit’ in life. And we need mercy.”

The loading of Ukrainian grain onto a grain carrier for further export. On July 29, 2022. PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons CC BY 4.0.

PHOTO: cpi.org

A fine display of

Lincoln High School celebrates its academic achievers

By Keashonna Christopher Guest writer

On May 17, 2023, Lincoln High School hosted its annual Honor Roll assemblies showcasing its 9th - 12th graders.

The program opened with Principal Brown’s message, “You made us all proud, you represent your community and your family”...We are proud to share…the freshman class, the class of 2026…117 of them earned a 3.0 and higher and 21 of them earned straight A’s, a 4.0…”.

The Honor Roll is a historically coveted list for all students maintaining a 3.0 to 3.99 GPA and the Principal’s Honor Roll list is a special distinction for students with a 4.0 and above.

This school year, some of the highest GPAs (4.5, 4.33, 4.28, and 4.25) were earned by Lincoln’s State Championship winning football team’s student-athletes.

At the event, Linda Doughty, Director of a college preparatory program, congratulated Freshman and

student athlete, King David Dunn, on his Honor Roll recognition. She asked, “What do you plan to do with your academic success?”

King David answered, “I plan to keep being successful.”

The fortitude and focus evident in the vast number of diverse LHS Honor Roll students is a fine display of greatness. Congratulations to all the students and families recognized for their outstanding academic achievements!

Open Heart Leaders COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR

By Darrel Wheeler Contributing Writer

Last Saturday the Southeast San Diego community was invited to a resource fair located in the Joe and Vi Jacobs Center’s parking lot where valuable information booths filled a large portion space. The Department of Motor Vehicles was there with a team of their employees to help fix license and IDrelated issues and more.

Community based organizations such as Project Attitude, Metro Community Ministries, Inc., Open Heart Leaders, Designing Creative Futures, and Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation offered resources to serve the San Diego residents.

“We are here to help anybody that’s been involved in the justice system find job placement, career edu-

cational training opportunities, and wrap around services,” Metro Community Ministries, Inc. representative Danyiel Mack shared.

The resource fair was a real one-stop-shop for mental health, employment, law and all things important to the neighborhood.

“The month of May is Mental Health Month, so we definitely wanted to highlight that part of today’s event,” said event coordinator April Laster. “We didn’t get the crowd we anticipated, we have to do a better job at getting the word out, we will have to re-strategize for next time by including more media involvement and get the associations to gather the group’s that they represent to come out and participate and maybe some door-to-door team work to get the word out.”

Food vendors were also present during the resource fair experience.

AnnualSixth COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

By Darrel Wheeler CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Community leaders and historians with a host of Malcolm X supporters showed up at the Malcolm X Library on May 19th for the sixth year to commemorate the iconic civil rights leader’s important contributions to society.

The annual event celebrating Malcom X’s 98th birthday this year was filled with lively discussions on the significance of self-reliance, culture, wealth, health, land ownership, Black history, courage, education and so much more.

Music, dance, powerful testimonies and a very entertaining performance by Capoeira Master Dennis Newsome and his Afro Brazilian marital arts group held the stage for entertainment.

“We reach out to multiple organizations to be a part of this event every year. We want to make this a very inclusive community event,” Malcolm X Day supporter and co-event organizer Dorian Muhammed shared.

The event was a perfect opportunity for old acquaintances to recon nect and a venue where new partnerships could be formed.

PHOTOS: Darrel Wheeler

Affordable Connectivity Event at Skyline Library Helps Local Seniors Assm. Weber Hosts Digital Literacy Event

By Darrel Wheeler CONTRIBUTING WRITER

On May 20th, Assemblymember Akilah Weber MD (Dist. 79) hosted an Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) enrollment event targeting our senior population at the Skyline Library.

During the event guest speakers from the San Diego Futures Foundation and the County of San Diego’s Aging & Independent Services Department talked about senior digital literacy, scam prevention, and other available resources.

Assemblywoman Weber kicked off the special event with welcoming remarks and a legislative update.

“As a member of the Communication and Conveyance Committee, I’m tasked with overseeing bills that include broadband access, digital infrastructure, telecommunications and much more,” Dr. Weber shared. “This event is all about bridging the digital divide and expanding secure digital access, especially for our senior population.” Free laptops from Computers 2 Kids were also raffled off to 10 households.

Darrel Wheeler

PHOTOS:

U.S. Surgeon General Warns of High Cost of Loneliness

By Stacy M. Brown

Earlier this month, the U.S. surgeon general declared widespread loneliness in the United States the latest public health pandemic, comparing its effects on people’s health to those of smoking a pack of cigarettes every day.

In his 81-page research “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation” (visit hhs. gov for the full report), Dr. Vivek Murthy found more than half of U.S. residents have felt lonely at some point. According to Murthy, healthcare experts have concrete proof that loneliness impacts a significant part of the U.S. population, causing sensations akin to hunger and thirst.

“The feeling the body sends us when something we need for survival is missing,” Murthy explained. He stated that he wants to raise awareness of issues that impact most people and encourage them to speak out instead of enduring silence.

The Surgeon General’s declaration seeks to increase conversations surrounding loneliness, though Murthy doesn’t foresee any legislation or formal federal action ahead. The declaration noted that, in recent decades, Americans reported feeling lonelier because of their declining involvement in religion, civic groups, and families.

Single-person homes had doubled over the past 60 years but worsened when COVID-19 struck, forcing most Americans to abandon school, workplaces, and social visits. According to the advisory issued by Murthy, individual health and the lack of social connection pose a significant risk to one’s longevity.

Among the symptoms, excessive cigarette smoking and death.

The advisory noted that a poor or insufficient social connection has ties to a high disease prevalence, a 29% increase in the risk of heart disease, and a 32% increase in the risk of having a stroke. The potential for anxiety, depression, and dementia is increased when an individual is lonely, the advisory cautioned. Murthy said the lack of social connection may increase susceptibility to viruses and respiratory illnesses.

In older adults, it’s estimated that social isolation leads to more than $6.7 billion in additional Medicaid spending because of extra hospital and nursing facility costs. The Surgeon General also warned that isolation and loneliness lower academic achievement and worsen performance at work. Additionally, employers lose about $154 billion each year because of stress-related absences

by employees.

“Given the profound consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have an opportunity, and an obligation, to make the same investments in addressing social connection that we have made in addressing tobacco use, obesity, and the addiction crisis,” Murthy asserted.

“This Surgeon General’s Advisory shows us how to build more connected lives and societies. If we fail to do so, we will pay an ever-increasing price in the form of our individual and collective health and well-being.

“And we will continue to splinter and divide until we can no longer stand as a community or a country. Instead of coming together to take on the great challenges, we will retreat to our corners—angry, sick, and alone.”

By Stacy M. Brown

According to a new draft recommendation statement, the US Preventive Services Task Force proposes that women with an average risk for breast cancer begin screening at age 40 to reduce their risk of death.

It is a change from the 2016 recommendation, in which the task force recommended that biennial mammograms (breast x-rays) begin at age 50 and that the decision for women to screen in their 40s “should be an individual one.” Some organizations, including the American Cancer Society, have recommended that women begin mammograms in their forties. USPSTF Vice Chair Dr. Wanda Nicholson, senior associate dean, and professor at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health, told CNN, “Our new task force recommendation recommends that women begin breast cancer screening with mammography at age 40 and continue screening every other year until age 74.”

The USPSTF, a group of independent medical experts whose recommendations help steer doctors’ decisions and influence insurance plans, proposed an update to its breast cancer screening recommendations on Tuesday, May 9.

The task force announced it would share a draft evidence review and draft modeling report along with the non-final recommendation on their website for public comments

until June 5. The proposed recommendation is for all individuals assigned female at birth, including cisgender women, trans men, and nonbinary individuals, to be at ordinary risk for breast cancer.

According to Nicholson, women with dense breasts and a family history of cancer typically fall into this category, but not women whose family history contains breast cancer or genetic mutations, such as mutations on the BRCA gene, as they are regarded as being at high risk. The revisions would not apply to those with an increased risk of breast cancer who may have already been advised to undergo screening at age 40 or earlier. However, they should adhere to the monitoring procedures recommended by their physicians.

Black women reportedly have the highest incidence of breast cancer-related deaths in America. Nicholson stated that the revised recommendation “will save more lives among all women.” This is especially significant for Black women, who have a 40% higher risk of breast cancer-related death.

According to the JAMA Network Open, the breast cancer death rate among women in their 40s was 27 per 100,000 person-years for Black women, compared to 15 per 100,000 for white women and 11 per 100,000 for American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic, and Asian or Pacific Islander women. As a result, researchers recommended that Black women begin screening at an earlier age, 42, as opposed to 50.

By Stacy M. Brown

Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Recently, consumers have been forced to confront the revelation that having zero interaction with employees during a transaction no longer exempts customers from the moral dilemma of tipping. Customers say they’ve noticed that they’re increasingly asked to tip at self-checkout terminals, despite having no contact with an employee. Reportedly, cash registers in airports, stadiums, stores, and cafes are prompting customers to add up to 20 percent tips.

Tipping culture has expanded from pubs and restaurants to coffee shops and takeout establishments due to what one publication called “tipflation.”

“This new trend of being prompted to leave a tip does nothing but frustrate consumers. It’s one thing to tip your server personally; it’s another to be asked to leave a tip on a screen where you’ve done all the work at a self-checkout,” said Corey Donovan, president of Alta Technologies. “It’s an option to have it turned on or off within the payment gateway software, so

businesses are consciously choosing to have it turned on.”

Donovan said the bestcase scenario is that the business gives those tips to their employees.

“The worst-case scenario: they’re hoping that customers will just absent-mindedly keep hitting next to get to the final payment screen to generate additional revenue. Either way, it’s not something that makes customers happy and could have a negative impact on customer experience and satisfaction,” Donovan remarked.

Tom Golubovich, the head of marketing at Ninja Transfers, offered that businesses placing a tipping option at self-checkout machines appears to be just another way for companies to pad their bottom line.

“I ordered a smoothie online and went to pick it up myself, and it automatically added a tip to the checkout. Rather than the default being no tip, it was set to 15 per-

cent,” Golubovich stated.

“I didn’t even notice this until after I’d already paid. I think that this is a sneaky practice for companies to take in additional revenue. I hope that the employees working got my tip, but I can’t be so sure of that. It also just feels wrong to have a tip added to something where there wasn’t any personal interaction.”

Mark Pierce, the CEO of Cloud Peak Law Group, added that it’s becoming more evident that employers are attempting to put the onus for employee pay on customers.

“It’s not justified by any means, but employers saw the opportunity and went for it,” Pierce said. “Tipping has always been a part of employees’ wages in the service industry, but it was attached to giving an actual person the tip,” he continued.

“Now it seems like it’s an option on every transaction, regardless of whether there was human interaction or not. While employers could argue that at the end of the day, the employees are still getting the tips, there’s no reason to tip if the transaction happened without a person’s help.”

In some states, employers can pay below the minimum wage due to the presumption that workers will earn enough in tips. Still, Jodi Smith, a human resources professional and etiquette consultant, said employers shouldn’t solicit tips for jobs that aren’t typically tippable so they can pay employees less.

“There are also some state laws that prohibit who is eligible to receive

any pooled tips,” Smith told the Informer in an email, reiterating her thoughts she provided to USA Today.

“I so wish the software coders for some of these payment systems had taken the time to actually speak with etiquette experts before coding the choices and interface,” Smith added.

“There is a difference between a tip and a service charge. Tipping occurs at the end of the interaction, not before. Additionally, we tip for transactions that occur through interpersonal interactions. For example, handing someone a doughnut is not a tippable interaction.”

PHOTO: Courtesy of NNPA

PHOTO: Courtesy of NNPA

“Instead of coming together to take on the great challenges, we will retreat to our corners— angry, sick, and alone.”

–Dr. Vivek Murthy

FICTITIOUS

Apt. 149 San Diego, CA 92123

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on May 5, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on May 5, 2028 5/11, 5/18, 5/25, 6/01

Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree

Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree

Changing Name and Order

Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.

A certified copy of Decree

Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree

Changing Name and Order

Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.

Yvonne Jeannette Bruno filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT

NAME: Yvonne Jeannette Bruno

PROPOSED NAME: Scarlet Spaghetti Checkers

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING

Date: June 27, 2023

Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. C-61 (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)

NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.

The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date

Any Petition for the name change of a minor that is signed by only one parent must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other nonsigning parent, and proof of service must be filed with the court. The address of the court is: 330 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 5/18, 5/25, 6/01, 6/08

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA County of San Diego 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall of Justice Court House 37-2023-00019074CU-PT-CTL Petitioner or Attorney: Maoj Thaer Faraj

To All Interested

Petitioner Maoj Thaer Faraj filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT

Maoj Thaer Faraj

PROPOSED NAME: Maoj Thaer Alosachie

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING

Date: June 20, 2023

Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. C-61

(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)

NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.

The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree

Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree

Changing Name and Order

Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.

A certified copy of Decree

Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree

Changing Name and Order

Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do

not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date

Any Petition for the name change of a minor that is signed by only one parent must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other nonsigning parent, and proof of service must be filed with the court.

The address of the court is: 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 5/18, 5/25, 6/01, 6/08

SUMMONS (Citation Judicial)

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT

(Name) AVISO AL DEMANDADO (Nombre): DAVID ZEPEDA, individually and in his Sullivan, Sam Kirby, Luke Hope, Mark Sanford, Willson Wolf, Karen Wolf Trust; David Zepeda, as Trustee of the Kenneth Gilbert, Fran Gilbert, David Rose, Chris Rose, Sam Kirby, Ivy Kirby, Jack Cadman Trust; David Zepeda as Trustee of the Robert Mann, Janis Mann, Fran Gilbert, France Guston, Evan Patch Trust; all persons unknown, claiming any legal or equitable right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the property described in the complaint adverse to plaintiff's title, or any cloud upon plaintiff's title thereto; and DOES 1 through 10, inclusive

YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF (Lo esta demandado el demandante):

ANA PINEDA, an individual

NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ Selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinto.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees

and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court's lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

Tiene 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte. ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretano de la corte que le de un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podra quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de Calitornia Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www. sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales.

AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 o más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

Case Number: 2023CUOR008090

The name and address of the court is (El nombre y direccion de la corte es): Superior Court of California, County of Ventura 800 South Victoria Avenue Ventura, CA 93009

The name, address, aand telephone number of plaintiff's attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es):

David

L. Ingram DAVID INGRAM LAW, A.P.C. (Bar #149847) 23901 Calabasas Road, Suite 1063 Calabasas, CA 91302

DATE (Fecha): 04/21/2023 5/25, 6/01, 6/08, 6/15

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Barbara Jean Hudspeth Case Number: 37-2023-00015237-PR-LACTL

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Barbara Jean Hudspeth

A Petition for Probate has been filed by Carletta C. Edwards in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego

The Petition for Probate requests that Carletta C. Edwards be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act.

(This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:

on July 12, 2023, at 1:30 PM in Dept. 502 Judge J.B. Scherling located at the Superior Court of California County of San Diego 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA 92101 Probate Division

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court.

If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a REQUEST FOR SPECIAL NOTICE (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250.

A REQUEST FOR SPECIAL NOTICE form is available from the court clerk.

Petitioner:

Carletta C. Edwards 4851 Wyconda Ln. San Diego, CA 92113 (619) 992-3573 5/25, 6/01, 6/08, 6/15

BLACK HISTORY

1959 THERESA M. CLAIBORNE BORN

After completing her Pilot Training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas, Theresa Mae Claiborne became the first African American female pilot in the United States Air Force on September 16, 1982. During Claiborne’s active-duty years, she rose in rank to Captain and served as a KC 135 pilot at Loring Air Force Base, Maine. Capt. Claiborne referenced the historic Tuskegee Airmen for paving her way. Born May 25, 1959 to a military family, in 1990 she joined United Airlines as a flight engineer and worked her way up to Captain on a Boeing 757/767 jetliner, where she remained one of a small number of black female pilots. She finished active-duty service in 1988 but continued with the United States Air Force Reserves as a flight commander and an instructor pilot, before becoming a Lieutenant Colonel in November 2001. On January 6, 2003, while still flying for United, Lieutenant Colonel Claiborne retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserves. In 2015 she became a member of Sisters of the Skies to “pave the way for a new generation of Black female pilots”.

ARTICLE CONTINUATION

housing:

Continued from page 2

The California Department of Justice is encouraging all municipalities in the state to reevaluate their crime-free housing policies, invoking civil rights laws and fair housing regulations.

“I recognize that leaders at the local level are on the front lines of ensuring public safety for their residents, and, separately, that California law provides discretion to local jurisdictions to enact and enforce nuisance laws that are non-discriminatory and otherwise consistent with California law,” Bonta stated in a letter to California’s cities and counties.

“Regardless of when these policies were adopted, local jurisdictions have the responsibility to ensure that they comport with state and federal law, and not to implement or enforce them in a discriminatory manner,” he continued.

While there are various types of these programs across the state, most are designed to give landlords a way to deny or evict tenants who have had some interaction with the criminal justice system.

In some cases, landlords do not need a conviction or an arrest to activate these policies.

According to the website of the Murrieta police department – a town of about 100,000 people in Riverside County –, crime-free housing helps law enforcement manage criminal activity.

“The police cannot solve crime problems alone,” the website reads. “Neither can the management or residents of rental properties. However, by working together, the end result has been the most successful approach to crimes in rental communities.”

fireside:

Continued from page 4

While everyone is aware that the Mayor is the first person of color to hold that position in the 150 year history of the City of San Diego, Ms. DeBerry still reminded everyone in her opening and introductory remarks of the Mayor’s humble origin and he amplified the topic by mentioning that, unlike his parents, a maid and a gardener, he and his brother could not afford homeownership in San Diego.

AG Bonta isn’t the only state official concerned about the alleged discriminatory nature of crime-free housing policies.

Assembly Bill (AB) 1418, introduced by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), would prohibit crime-free housing policies statewide.

“AB 1418 will end these harmful policies that have made it harder for Californians to find a safe place to call home and eliminate laws that have resulted in further housing segregation across the state,” McKinnor stated in a press release.

This bill was first introduced in February and is currently in committee.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) states that even if a policy appears neutral, it may still violate the law if it has “discriminatory effects” without a reasonable and legal justification.

According to the Attorney General’s office, these regulations must apply to California state law.

Last December, the U.S. Department of Justice secured its first settlement banning crime-free housing in San Bernardino County and Hesperia.

This agreement requires San Bernardino County and the city of Hesperia to spend about $1 million, mostly to compensate residents and tenants negatively impacted by crime-free policies.

The big topic of the evening was the homelessness and unsheltered population of the city. This is a priority with the Mayor as he is putting money and resources into every possible area to address the problem.

Despite the unanswered questions of some who were allowed to speak at the end, the meeting appears to have been a success in providing an opportunity for the Mayor and the community to meet.

Vira

Vira Kennedy WIlliams was born July 24, 1928, in Hartford, Connecticut to Charles Leonard Kennedy and Maude Warring Kennedy. She was the eldest of three. The family later moved to New Haven, Connecticut where she completed her elementary and secondary education.

She received her B.S. Degree from Bennett College with a major in chemistry and biology. She graduated from Boston University of Medical Technology where she worked a few years at Brookline Hospital for Women before moving to Washington, D.C. She attended graduate school studying Biochemistry at Howard University and worked as a research assistant at the medical school. There she met and married Matthew A. Williams, a graduating medical student. She also received a Master’s Degree in education and received her teaching credentials from USC.

Vira and her family attended Southeast Community Presbyterian Church where they have been members for over 50 years. Vira has three daughters, Linda (Michan) Lucas, Pamela Steele, and Nanci WIlliams Newell (deceased).

In Vira’s free time, she enjoyed classic jazz, jewelry making, reading, poetry, attending plays, and visiting with family and friends.

Vira was a strong believer in community service. She served on various committees and boards including the Children’s Hospital Board, the San Diego Opera Society, the California Medical Society and the California Medical Society Auxiliary Board. Vira was selected to work in Washington, D.C. to advocate for medical insurance for children and the Healthy Families Insurance became part of the Medi-Cal program. She chaired the Ebony Fashion Fair on many occasions and was the past president for the Las Munecas Auxiliary, Tema Sister City Society, The San Diego Civil Service Commission, and The San Diego County Medical Alliance.

She also served as the medical career director for the San Diego Unified School District where she taught the first class in medical careers at Lincoln High School. She was the founder and past president of the National Association of Civil Services Commissioners. Vira was a Soror of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter for over 30 years. She was very proud of her sisterhood and the causes they supported.

Many will remember Vira’s tours. She ventured all over Southern California. She also enjoyed traveling to cities in Mexico, such as Ensenada and Puerto Nuevo to name a few. One of her favorite tours to take was to the Bill Pickett Rodeo. Vira was called home May 3, 2023. She leaves to mourn her sister Carolyn Robbs (George), two daughters Linda Michan Lucas (Lonnie) and Pamela Steele of San Diego. Lorna Davis of Fresno and Tomiko Dildine of San Francisco, Vira’s inherited daughters. Grandchildren Edrianna Pierre, Eddeja Page (Marquis), Leilani Hernandez (Kasey) of Houston, Texas, Wyston Taylor (Daniella) of Brazil, Allegra Taylor of San Diego, Elizabeth Brown of Long Beach, Alese Davis of Fresno, Miako Dildine of San Francisco. Nine great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, relatives and friends also are left to mourn Virna’s passing.

Thank you to Maribel and Maria who tirelessly took care of mom for the last seven years. You both allowed her to live independently. Your dedication to her will never be forgotten.

ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY

Funeral services were held on 05/06/2023 at Bayview Baptist Church, with a burial at Riverside National Cemetery. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary.

Mattie Gordon was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on March 15, 1929, to Emma Gordon-Roberson and Percy Knowlen. She was the eldest of two, Eloise Peters and Ruth Niler who preceded her in death. She was called home to rest Saturday, April 22, 2023. As a child she would spend time between North Carolina and Georgia. Mattie received her formal education at Anthony Bowen Elementary School in SW Washington, DC, and Elizabeth Randall High School.

She found favor with Sister Florence who gave her a job working in the kitchen for special diets at Providence Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital.

While out with her aunt, a tall handsome sailor, named Wilbert Purvis spotted her and swept her off her feet. He eventually sent her a ticket to meet him in San Diego, California. They were married and the newlyweds headed for Oakland, California, as her husband would soon be sent on deployment.

It was in Honolulu, Hawaii where she met the late Bishop W.H. Reed and under his ministry, she accepted the Lord as her personal savior. As a member of New Era Community Church, she served as a young church mother. She also held Vacation Bible School in her home.

In 1963, they left Honolulu, Hawaii and transferred to San Diego, California where her husband retired a few years later. She attended Jackson Memorial Church.

She leaves to remember her life; Percy Fairley of Washington, DC., Diane Roberson-Lacey (Ronald), Wilbert (Carol) Purvis, Renee (Tony) Ryan, Maureen Foster of Cumming, GA., Ronald (Patsy) Purvis of Menifee, CA., Dana Purvis of Hemet, CA., Jon Jay Purvis, Lisa (Anthony) Blair of Bristol, VA., Robert (Donna) Purvis, Jacqueline (Reginald) Lawson, and Kimberly Purvis. Grandchildren (45); great grandchildren (61) and great-great-grandchildren

(7); nieces: Ruthie Niler-Flythe, Yvette Niler-Jones, Brenda Niler, Yvonne PetersRick, Cynthia Niler- Walker, Marie Antoinette Davis; and nephews: Carlton Formey, Andre Peters, Keith Niler.

Proceeding her in death are husbands, Wilbert Purvis, Sr. and Elder Harvey Jessie; daughters: Emma Jean Herbert, Debra Purvis, and Angela Purvis; and sons: Gregory Purvis, and Michael Purvis.

Yimegnushal

ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY

Funeral services were held on 05/12/2023 at Memory Chapel of Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary, with a burial at Riverside National Cemetery. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary.

Garry Jerome McMorris was born on September 11, 1953, in Ferriday, Louisiana.

He is the youngest of three sons born to Alean and Lenfield McMorris, Sr. Garry later moved to San Diego, CA with his mother and two older brothers; where he graduated from American Business College.

Gary is a proud veteran of the United States Navy, where he served for more than five years. Gary was no stranger to holding physically demanding jobs. He worked for the City of San Diego Water Department for over 20 years. It’s important to note, he also worked for the Veteran Affairs in La Jolla, CA for 12 years. Those closest to Garry can often attest to his hard work ethic. It was not uncommon for Garry to work from sun up to sun down or until his body physically couldn’t take anymore.

Often described as tough-as-nails, he was whip-smart; and could give you a tongue-lashing for days. He was also caring, and very loyal to those he cared about. Once Gary made up that he would have your back, he would have your back for life. He loved being outdoors, going to the casino, and making people laugh.

Furthermore, he kept people rolling in laughter with the truthful recounting of the outlandish stories he told. Stories of the past adventures that he had with his brother, Lenfield, Jr., cuttin’ up all over San Diego.

As the life he lived began to catch up with him in age, he didn’t let it slow him down. He fought until the very end. Garry passed on April 27, 2023. He is survived by his daughters Charmaine and Renece McMorris; grandchildren Charmoune, Chanel, Zedrick, Jr., Martin, and Rosaria Sylvers. Additionally, he is survived by his beloved dog Ruffie.

ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY

Funeral services were held on 05/13/2023 at St. Gabriel Ethiopian Orthodox Church, with a burial following at Greenwood Memorial Park. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary.

Yimegnushal Demissie was born October 19, 1968, in Gondar, Ethiopia, to Tsehaynesh Nadew and Aleka Demissie As-faw. She grew up in Ethiopia and attended school there. Later, Yimegnushal moved to the United States and enrolled in the University of California, Berkeley, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.

After graduating, Yimegnushal worked as a software engineer for 19 years in various companies and held different positions. She started her career at Nokia and then moved to Solekai Systems. Later, she worked at San Diego State University Research Foundation Technical and Analytical Support, and finally, she worked for Leidos.

In 2012, Yimegnushal got married and continued to excel in her career. She was a talented and dedicated software engineer, known for her strong work ethic and excellent technical skills. She was always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that her projects were successful.

Unfortunately, it is of such a heavy heart and sadness that we have to all grieve about the untimely passing of Yimegnushal on April 27, 2023. However, her legacy as a brilliant software engineer and a loving sister and wife will live on. Her hard work and dedication have left a lasting impact on those who knew her, and she will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and colleagues.

“ Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. ”

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Search: Pastor John E. Warren San Diego

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.

“We are waiting for You”

IN MEMORIAM Pleasant

Rev. Lonnie R.

SUNRISE 12/26/1967

SUNSET 05/17/2023

The family of Rev. Lonnie R. Pleasant invites the community to join with them in his celebration of life. He was born December 26, 1967 and passed on May 17, 2023.

Public viewing: To be held at Preferred Cremation and Burial Chapel on Wednesday June 7, 2023 from 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

Celebration: Viewing to be held at Bethel Baptist Church on Thursday June 8, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. Service will follow promptly at 11:00 A.M.

Interment: Will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery at 2:00 P.M. following the service.

Michelle

ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL MORTUARY

Michelle Anders, most lovingly named “Pooch” by friends and family, was born October 10th, 1962 in San Diego, CA. She attended and graduated from Morse High School.

Michelle had a laugh that could light up a room. Her kind, loving nature inspired everyone in her life to be kinder to others. She was a devoted Christian and faithful member of the Raven Street Church of Christ in San Diego. She was a godly woman whose character outweighed all of her perceived flaws. Her combativeness was her strength. Michelle knew just what to say for the point to stick. Her bluntness could illuminate even the darkest of shadows. Her life was an open book. If you were to ask, she’d answer your questions sincerely with a humble smile, but her stubbornness could break any bind.

Whatever situations Michelle was in, it would always end well for the benefit of all involved. Blessed and highly favored from God, there would always be a way. She was perfect. The love and genuine care she had for others was unmatched. Watching her shed light on how virtuous people in this world could be. How honesty, integrity, and charm could heal not only her offspring, but an entire lineage of women who walk in her footsteps.

Michelle passed on April 10, 2023. In her passing she joins mother Lucille Anders and brother John Anders II. Left to treasure her memories are daughter Alexis Kaskins and grand-daughter Lucia. She will be dearly missed.

Seandell

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Seandell Lee Dupree Jones was born September 10, 1993 at Sharp hospital in Chula Vista, CA to Shearese Johnson and Wydell Jones.

Seandell attended Valencia Park Elementary, O’Farrell Middle, and Morse High School where he met many lifelong friends. He was a selfless, kind hearted, and joyful person. Seandell would light up any room with his huge smile and leave you in laughter with his presence. Of the many things he enjoyed, his favorite pastime was going shopping with his sister Vanessa, spending time with his loved ones, and making music. Seandell would give you the shirt off his back and the last dollar in his pocket, because that was the kind of man he was.

Seandell touched so many people from all walks of life with his charismatic, charming, and captivating personality.

Seandell passed on April 27, 2023. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Walter and Matilda Goodwin, and Clyde A. Jones. He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory mother Shearese Johnson; father Wydell Jones; grandmother Judy R. Whitaker; sisters Vanessa Johnson, Deliyah Whitley, Dupreesha Jones, April Jones, Mariah Shell; and brothers Wydell Jones and Londell Jones. He will be dearly missed.

Verna

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Funeral Services were held on May 24, 2023 at Preferred Cremation and Burial Chapel.

Verna Colleen Kiles was born August 15, 1955 to Essie Mae Kiles and Hickman Brown, Sr. in El Centro, CA. Verna was the third child of five.

Verna received her formal education in El Centro, CA at Central Union High School.

Before moving to San Diego in 1973, she was a loving homemaker and mother of two.

She had a strong Faith and belief in God. She had a very kind spirit and would go out of her way and beyond to help anyone in need.

Verna was preceded in death by her parents; brother Bruce Wayne Reed; sister Annette Marie Nelson; and grandson Rashad Divine Perkins.

On April 21, 2023, the Lord called her by name, the gates of heaven opened and into the Lord’s arms she went to rest, ending her suffering.

Verna leaves to cherish her memory; brother Kevin B. Bell of San Diego; sister Rhonda Mack of Hibbing, Minnesota; daughter Shamu Miller; son Rahin (Charlotte) Mitchell; grandchildren: London and Langston Mitchell, Starrla, Ashley and Amber Perkins; six great-grandchildren all of San Diego; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends that will truly miss her.

Ronnie Dwight

Waldon Sr.

SUNSET 05/06/2023

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Ronnie Dwight Waldon, Sr. was born to Minnie Lee Battle and Martin Carl Waldon in Tulsa, Oklahoma on January 12, 1956.

Ronnie graduated from Lincoln High School in 1974 as an active member of the track team. He attended San Diego State University where he studied Criminal Justice.

Ronnie met his spouse, Gayle Traylor in September of 1981 and four years later, welcomed their first child, Bobbie Waldon. The family grew to four with the births of Ronnie Waldon, Jr., Martin Waldon, and Olivia Waldon. He is remembered for his generous hospitality, quick wit, adventurous spirit and ample variety of talents that included being a handyman, mechanic, cook, and caregiver.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings; Geneva Porter, Glendora Kennedy, John Carl Waldon, and Thaddeus “Ms. Peach” Oden. Ronnie Dwight Waldon, Sr. passed away in San Diego, CA on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

He is survived by his spouse; four children; his loving grandchildren: Silas Waldon and Rowan Brown; brother Val Jean Waldon; sisters: Cora Myers, Pechola Taylor, Antia Gardner, and Shirley Walker; and a host of nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends whom all will love and miss him dearly.

You Grieving the Loss of a Loved One?

By USAGov

When a friend or family member dies, everyone has a different way of coping. No matter the situation, it is a personal and individual experience. Bereavement is the period of grief and mourning after a death.

When you grieve, it’s part of the normal process of reacting to a loss. You may experience grief as a mental, physical, social or emotional reaction.

Mental reactions can include anger, guilt, anxiety, sadness and despair. Physical reactions can include sleeping problems, changes in appetite, physical problems or illness.

How long bereavement lasts can depend on how close you were to the person who died, if the person’s death was expected and other factors. Friends, family and faith may be sources of support. Grief counseling or grief therapy is also helpful to some people. If you’ve

lost someone close to you or you know someone who has, MedlinePlus offers information including:

• What is the grieving or bereavement process

• Tips and methods to live life after loss

• How grief can affect different age groups

• How to support someone who is in mourning

To access these free resources, visit medlineplus.gov/bereavement.html.

May

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Are

“

Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. ”

Fast Food Restaurant Owners Make Their Case in Sacramento

By

La st week, a group of fast-food restaurant owners, their supporters and advocates gathered at the State Capitol in Sacramento to oppose Assembly Bill (AB) 1228.

“AB 1228 would destroy franchise businesses like mine.”

They believe the bill, which would require major fastfood businesses and franchisees to share legal responsibility for the franchisee’s workplace health and safety violations of California Labor Law, would harm their businesses.

The coalition’s rally at the State Capitol coincided with the launch of an ad campaign created to raise public awareness about the bill.

One ad the group released features Mat A., a Lake Elsinore restaurant owner.

“AB 1228 would force national fast-food corporations to take more control over local franchise restaurants, taking away the rights of local restaurant owners to run our own businesses. AB 1228 would destroy franchise businesses like mine,” he said.

AROUND TOWN

The San Diego Chapter of The Girl Friends, Inc to Host the Eighty-Eighth Conclave of the National Organization

The San Diego Chapter of The Girl Friends, Inc is proud to announce that it will be hosting the 88th Conclave of its national organization from May 25, 2023, to May 28, 2023 This prestigious event chaired by National Vice President Vivian C Tuck and cochaired by San Diego Chapter s Board member, Mildred J Neal, will take place in beautiful downtown San Diego Led by Courtney Moore, National President and member of the California Chapter, almost 1,200 distinguished guests from forty-eight chapters representing twenty-five states and the District of Columbia are expected to attend this remarkable gathering

Established in 1927 The Girl Friends Inc is one of the oldest social/civic organizations for African American women in the United States Initially focused on fostering and maintaining friendships, the organization s goals have expanded to encompass charitable and cultural activities The Girl Friends, Inc has a rich history, with members who have held positions in Congress, the President's Cabinet, as well as local and national governmental, educational, and cultural organizations The organization takes pride in its members who have made significant contributions to fields such as medicine law education, volunteerism, and philanthropy

To support educational aspirations, The Girl Friends, Inc established The Girl Friends Fund in the late 1980s, which awards scholarships to deserving high school students pursuing higher education Additionally, the organization has made notable contributions to national organizations such as the African American History Museum United Negro College Fund NAACP Legal Defense Fund Children's Defense Fund Flint Water Project and the Innocence Project Local chapters actively engage with agencies serving youth, senior citizens, and the unsheltered, making a positive impact on their communities

The San Diego Chapter is delighted and honored to host the organization's national conclave this year This momentous event will provide an opportunity for members to connect exchange ideas and further strengthen the bonds of friendship while continuing the organization s commitment to philanthropy and community service

PASTORAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church

San Diego is prayerfully seeking a full-time Pastor, an ordained Baptist minister, called by God to proclaim the gospel, with a strong passion to serve God’s people and live according to God’s will.

All qualified candidates must submit application and requested documents to the Pastoral Search Committee by June 15, 2023

Fourth District Seniors Resource Center Proudly Presents

For more details and the application, visit: www.facebook.com/mtzionmissionarybaptistchurch or Email: mtzionsearch@gmail.com

Restaurant owners hosted a press conference May 16 in Sacramento to push back on AB 1228. PHOTO: Antonio Ray Harvey/CBM

Tanu Henry and Edward Henderson California Black Media

When entrepreneurs succeed, our communities do too

As

Rick Bregman President, Bank of America

My teammates work closely with entrepreneurs here in San Diego.