Get Your Head
in the Game!
SDMNEWS challenges Black San Diegans to think OUTSIDE of the box!
Open-mindedness relates to humility.
It humbles us to accept the possibility that we can be wrong. This is especially true if we harbor great dislike for the person whose view-point we now find ourselves considering. But open-mindedness requires us to accept the rights of others to speak their minds, even if we disagree with them. And to truly maintain an open mind, we must admit that many of their views possess at least some value. In cases such as this, open-mindedness comes down to basic respect for others and their beliefs. We are not required to fully agree with everything people say. We must simply accept the possibility that they speak the truth. When seeking to develop open-mindedness, pride often stands in our way. We tell ourselves that our own intellect will prove sufficient. Despite our long struggles with substance abuse, we remain convinced that we can fight the disease on our own.
Even if we do manage to achieve abstinence, we may find our spiritual growth stunted by our close-minded thinking. We become mired in our own thoughts, leaving ourselves vulnerable to relapse. Our best thinking got us here. We must learn to think differently if we wish to improve. When we admit that we don’t know all the answers, we enable ourselves to seek guidance from others. Perhaps some of the suggestions we receive will require practice. We will not always get it right on the first try. But open-mindedness allows us to keep trying instead of giving up after a single failure. Close-minded thinkers will disregard an idea based on one failed application. But those of us with open minds are able to learn from our mistakes. Open-mindedness also has the potential to change our entire worldview. A belief is not always necessarily right or wrong. Some beliefs are complex, made up of several smaller elements that may contain a grain of truth here and there. Being open minded allows space for the true complexities of human nature and the world at large to be understood.
The San Diego Monitor
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Re-Branding
Black America
What is up for debate, what is not? – Critical thinking and conscious conversation
One of the most outstanding scenes in the film, “The Great Debaters, portrays a monumental moment in American history. A confident and raged African American woman stands at a podium addressing a predominately white audience about quality education and opportunity for her people. “…but my opponent says today is not the day, for whites and colored to go to the same colleges. To share the same campus, to walk in the same classroom. Well would you kindly tell me when that day is going to come?” So eloquently produced by Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions, directed and starred by Denzel Washington, this film speaks to so many larger truths, and here we speak on those most relevant to our time. To answer the question posed by the powerful young woman in the film, let us first say that today is THE day. Today, those once divided based on race can share dialogue over deconstructing the exact systems that work to divide them. The power in her statement did not come from some elaborated, drawn out theory about why Blacks and Whites cannot exist in the same spaces cohesively. She posed a very simple and straight forward question. The complexities lie in the deep, critical thinking skills required to unpack the reality of the truth she is speaking on.
“…because what the world does to you, is the world does it to you long enough and effectively enough, you begin to do it to yourself. You become a collaborator…because you believe the same things they do” Writer and educator, James Baldwin, shares these words of truth in conversation with the then, young and inspired Writer, Nikki Giovanni. As they laugh and joy over the shared understanding expressed in this statement, the irony rests in the ways that Black people have always had to find humor in our collective pain and struggle. Beyond the humor lies a deep understanding of our need to remain inquisitive of the ideas and beliefs that shape our perception of self. This is critical thinking at its finest. The ability to analyze facts, what is true and what is not, with the determination to make sound judgement. Going back to the question posed in The Great Debaters, Black people have come to think more critically about their position in the world. They have moved beyond conversations of acquiring freedom and equality because we can conceive that these are abstract concepts. We want more defined outcomes and that requires us to ask more questions, to analyze the facts closely and precisely. This is how we acquire a perception of Self that is independent of how we are perceived in the world and supportive of the people that we aspire to become. Continued pg. 8
Black Leaders are Ready to Lead NOW! U.S. Senator Kamala Harris, the first Black woman to serve
on a major party’s presidential ticket made history last week when Joe Biden, the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee, announced that she would serve as his running mate. While much of the national and local news centered around the selection of Senator Harris, California political insiders were having a different conversation. Almost immediately after Biden’s announcement, the politicos in the Golden State began formulating predictions on who Gov. Gavin Newsom would select to serve the balance of Senator Harris's term in the U.S. Senate, which ends in January 2023. The opportunity to see the celebrated rise of a member of another ethnic minority, whether it be the Latino community, API community, or other group, should not come at the expense of California’s Black community. Political insiders in Sacramento report that Newsom is already being pressured by outside groups to make history by appointing a Latino to replace Harris. With close to 40% or more of the state population being Latino, the governor will be under pressure to deliver to such a large constituency. However, according to some capital insiders and news reports, discussions have already been had with the governor to appoint California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to the U.S. Senate, should Sen. Dianne Feinstein decide to retire before her term ends in 2024.
Black women and men have poured decades of work, blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice into the Democratic Party, and Gov. Newsom must recognize that. Black voters are not the Democratic Party’s mules; they should not have to put the histories of other groups’ oppression on their backs and step aside so someone else can walk through the political door that Senator Harris has opened. To prevent what would be a consequential snub, the Governor should be intentional about acknowledging the important role that Black people have in California politics, and the trail that has been blazed by Kamala Harris, by choosing among California’s Black elected officials to replace her in the U.S. Senate. Fortunately, California has an impressive list for the Governor to consider: Congressional Members Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (DCA-13), former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Progressive Caucus, was an early supporter of Gov. Newsom and is beloved by her Bay Area constituency. Though she is in her 13th term as a Congresswoman and may not want to give up the seniority she’s earned in the House, Lee would garner support from progressives and African Americans statewide, and be a force in the U.S. Senate. Congresswoman Karen Bass. It is likely that Governor Newsom has already added Representative Karen Bass (D-CA-37) to his shortlist of candidates to fill Senator Harris’s seat. Continued pg. 9
The San Diego Monitor
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Difficult conversations in the black community AB1460 Ethnic Studies Bill is Now State Law – This is the toolkit, where is the practice? Gov. Newsom signed AB 1460 into law on Monday, Aug. 17. The new state law requires California State University (CSU), the nation’s largest four-year public university system, to provide courses in Ethnic studies at each of its 23 campuses beginning with the 2021–22 academic year and requires CSU students to take a 3-credit course in Ethnic studies in order to graduate beginning in the 2024-2025 academic year. The bill was introduced last year by Assembly member Shirley Weber (D-San Diego), professor emeritus of Africana studies at San Diego State, on behalf of the California Faculty Association (CFA) and with support from the legislative ethnic caucuses (Black, Latino, and Asian Pacific Islander). It passed on Aug. 3 after legislators engaged in personal and passionate debates during committee hearings and on the floor of the Assembly and Senate as each expressed their perspectives on the pressing need for our society to deal with its history of racial inequities. Ethnic studies is an interdisciplinary study of race and ethnicity that gained acceptance nationally in universities following the 1960’s Black student uprisings. Research shows that students of color and white students benefit academically and socially from taking Ethnic studies courses. These courses can play an important role in building an inclusive multicultural democracy.
According to Charles Toombs, CFA president and a professor of Africana Studies at San Diego State, Ethnic studies differs from other disciplines. It is crucial in its own right. Because of that, AB1460 specifies that CSU students take a course in one of the four historically defined racialized core groups: African American studies, Latino studies, Native American studies or Asian American studies. The bill states, “It is the intent of the Legislature that students of the California State University acquire the knowledge and skills that will help them comprehend the diversity and social justice history of the United States and of the society in which they live to enable them to contribute to that society as responsible and constructive citizens.” The 13-5 vote of CSU trustees marks the first significant change to the university's general education requirements in 40 years. The approved courses include the four core Ethnic studies disciplines AB 1460 requires and adds courses on the history and culture of other oppressed groups, such as Muslims, Jews or LGBTQ people. The requirement goes into effect in the 2023-24 school year. Practice makes experience African Americans have fought long and hard to bring their stories to the forefront of American history. Alongside other communities of color who have shaped the language, food, attire, song and dance of this nation. What is American history without the voices of these communities? Ethnic studies provide students with a toolkit to understand the world outside of their own immediate environment. It is up to the student to apply this information and adjust their paradigm accordingly.
The San Diego Monitor
SDMNEWS Must Read
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The San Diego Monitor
Think on your feet! In the Black community the complexities of life can be unpacked in very few words and ideas. Everyday statements like “The white man keeps his foot on our neck”, keep us informed on the ways the Black people are conceptualizing their relationship to the world. These statements also shape the way that we respond to our circumstances. When Black people understand their position as restrained by white forces inhibits this mindset inhibits them from seeing the ways that they are in fact restraining themselves. When we unpack our experiences in relationship to the “facts” that influence our judgement, we are being critical about the information we are receiving and whether it aligns with what we know to be truth based on our experiences. Black people do not have to question everything about our lived experiences to understand how we want to show up in the world and, in fact, we do not. The structures that we have created to maneuver this world provide us with the tools to analyze what is worth our time and energy and what is not.
“The majority dies do not decide what is right or wrong. Your conscience does” As the masters of our own destinies, Black people have the tools to be conscience and present in the conversations that rule our lives. Most importantly we have the personal power to decide which conversations are supportive of our mental strength and development. These are the dialogues that help us expand mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Read more at www.sdmonitornews.com
The San Diego Monitor A 10-year veteran in the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Bass, the current Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and former Speaker of the California Assembly, possesses both the leadership skills and the acumen to serve in the U.S. Senate in this historic moment. Congresswoman Maxine Waters. Affectionately called “Auntie Maxine” by fans from all backgrounds and ages, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA-43) has been a member of the U.S. Congress for almost 30 years. She is both loved and loathed for her no-nonsense, in-your-face politicking and sharp criticism of political opponents, including Republican Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump. Waters served 14 years in the California Assembly before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she is the current chair of the House Financial Services Committee. Constitutional Officers Superintendent Tony Thurmond. Tony Thurmond became California’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction after successfully defeating a well-funded opponent statewide. Prior to this position, he served as a state Assembly member, a member of the Richmond City Council and a member of the West Contra Costa County Unified School District. Superintendent Thurmond has enjoyed national attention in the wake of COVID-19 with innovative plans to initiate distance learning and to reopen public schools. Board of Equalization Member Malia Cohen. Board Member Malia Cohen, a native of the vote-rich Bay Area, is no stranger to Gov. Newsom and is a tested and proven viable statewide vote getter, having garnered 72 percent of the vote in her 23county Board of Equalization District, representing over 10 million Californians. She was elected the first Black woman to Chair the BOE, which administers the $70 billion property tax system. Prior to her election to Constitutional Office, BOE Chair Cohen served two terms on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and as President of the Board. State Legislators State Senator Holly Mitchell. Senator Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angles), who serves as the Chair of the California State Senate Budget Committee, is one of the most well respected, and powerful policy makers in California. Senator Mitchell has developed a close working relationship with Gov. Newsom which has served the state well. They have pursued policies that align with their respective agendas on homelessness, criminal justice reform, early childhood development, seniors etc.
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Assembly member Shirley Weber. Assembly member Shirley Weber (D-Sam Diego) serves as the Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. She is one of the most effective and respected policymakers serving in the California legislature. She passed landmark legislation establishing a new reasonable force standard in the wake of the death of Stephon Clark by Sacramento law enforcement officers. This year she championed the Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5, which placed on the November ballot Proposition16. If voters approve, Prop 16 would overturn anti-affirmative action Proposition 209, which passed in 1996. Local Elected Officials City Council Member Herb Wesson. Los Angeles city council member Herb Wesson is former speaker of the state assembly, former president of the Los Angeles City council and is currently a candidate for Los Angeles County supervisor. He is well known around the state and is widely regarded as a persuasive and effective deal maker. Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas is one of the most effective policymakers in the state of California. Ridley-Thomas previously served in both the California State Assembly and the California Senate, and served as the Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. He was a strong supporter of Gavin Newsom in his race to become Governor, and Ridley-Thomas has worked closely with the governor to address homelessness in Los Angeles County and statewide. Mayor London Breed. Mayor London Breed, the first African American woman to serve as Mayor of San Francisco, made a splash on the national political stage this year because of her proactive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to serving as Mayor of San Francisco, Breed served as the President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Breed, who was appointed to the San Francisco Fire Commission by then-Mayor Gavin Newsom, enjoys a close working relationship with the governor and has the experience of running a major metropolitan city. The Democratic Party cannot continue to rely on Black women as voters without having Black women in represented in elected office.” After the general election, if the Democrats win, the Governor would be charged with an equally important decision - who to choose to serve out the remaining two-and-a-half years of Senator Harris’s term. Our advice to the Governor is to be thoughtful in his deliberations and understand that his decision will speak very loudly to Black communities throughout California and the nation. Read more on www.sdmonitornews.com
Black Women,
Take the Lead!
Business leaders in the United States are setting targets for
recruiting and promoting Black women. The goal is to have more of Black women present in top jobs, as mentioned by a women’s equality group on Thursday. While like white men, Black women can fill executive positions, they are held back by discrimination and a lack of support.
Even though Black women make up 7.4% of the American population, only 1.4% hold executive positions in the country. This calls for action from senior business leaders to change the figure. “Very few companies are tracking representation and setting targets looking at both gender and race,” chief executive Rachel Thomas told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. “What that means is women of color are overlooked or left out.” When African American women are generalized in the likes of all women of color, their experiences are often disregarded with the intention to uplift the woman’s experience regardless of race. Studies have revealed that women from the African American community face a lack of mentorship and connections. They also face discrimination over their abilities, which makes it difficult for them to progress.
Black women are less likely to be allowed to display their skills, take up managerial roles, or assistance in managing their career path. The researchers found out that Black women were more likely to say they felt closely scrutinized at work than their work counterparts. It is common for colleagues to express surprise at their language skills or abilities, and sometimes they are made to feel they need to prove their competence. Even though most firms have gender and diversity targets, one out of ten aims to increase Black women representation at the workplace, which also applies to other racial minority women. “If a business determines that targets are what they need to succeed in building or enhancing a culture of inclusion … then targets are one way to go about it,” said Dnika Travis, vicepresident of research at workplace inclusion organization Catalyst. The research also revealed that Black women are less likely to seek a leadership position for money than their white counterparts. Instead, all they wanted was to become role models or influence the culture of their workplace. The disproportionate economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on women from minority groups have highlighted the need for change, Yasmeen Hassan, global director of women’s rights organization Equality Now, said. Read more at www.Guardian.com
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The San Diego Monitor
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Environmental Justice Starts Here! Assembly member Jim Cooper (D-Sacramento) inked a two-page open letter to leaders of environmental organizations, calling out racism and the lack of diversity in their organizations. Cooper, who represents the 9th District and is Chair of the Assembly’s Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration, released the letter through his Twitter account, stating that “It’s time we have a discussion about environmental racism.” The Sierra Club California (SCC), the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV), the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and Environment California “have long had all White or (mostly) leadership teams,” Cooper wrote. “These organizations from their leaders to their funders, are nearly all White, and attempt to trade on race issues by branding their efforts as: ‘environmental justice’ — for which they do not apologize,” Cooper wrote in the letter dated Aug. 3. Cooper backed his allegations, adding, “these organizations consistently push legislation that is designed to ‘protect or improve’ the environment,’ but fall way below addressing the needs of disadvantaged communities,” he wrote. In the letter, Cooper included information provided by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), an independent nonprofit research institution based in San Francisco.
Nichols is the Chair of the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB is charged with protecting the public from the harmful effects of air pollution and developing programs and actions to fight climate change. On Nichols’ Twitter account, which has since been removed, she posted a disturbing message regarding the death of George Floyd, who died when a Minneapolis, Minnesota, police officer pinned his knee on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Nichols posted on June 1, “‘I can’t breathe’ speaks to police violence, but it also applies to the struggle for clean air. Environmental racism is just one form of racism. It is all toxic. Government needs to clean it up in word and deed.” Read more about this story at https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/ WWW.SDMONITORNEWS.COM