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Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson Presents $1 Million for the IE Black Equity Fund CEO of The California Endowment, Dr. Bob Ross, Receives Lifetime Commitment to IE Award

RIVERSIDE, CA— The Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) and the Black Equity Initiative of the Inland Empire (BEI-IE) announced that the IE Black Equity Fund raised more than $6 million since launching in 2020 at a celebration event in Riverside. The event, held on November 3, 2023, marked a significant milestone for the Fund and its mission to support nonprofit organizations and initiatives that are led by – and serve – the Black community in the Inland Empire. Attendees included nonprofits, philanthropists, funders, and local officials committed to fostering Black community empowerment in the region.

In a stirring message before 200 guests, Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson announced the allocation of $1 million to the Fund, bringing the total to $6 million to help close persistent equity gaps in education, health, employment, and housing for the region’s Black community.

“I’m thrilled to witness the outpouring of support and enthusiasm for the IE Black Equity Fund,” said Pastor Sam Casey, BEI-IE Co-Founder, and Executive Director at Congregations Organized for Prophetic Change, (C.O.P.E.) “Remarkably, we exceeded our original $5 million goal. The $6 million we’ve raised is a testament to the community’s support of providing critical resources that strengthen the capacity of our organizations. As we celebrate this important milestone, we also know that we must remain vigilant on our journey towards progress.

Dr. Bob Ross, President and CEO of The California Endowment (TCE), was also the program’s guest speaker, who encouraged each guest to honor the past sacrifices of others and give back. Under Dr. Ross’s leadership, TCE was the first organization to invest $1 million into the Fund. Leaders from IECF and BEI-IE also presented Dr. Ross with a “Lifetime Commitment to the IE” award.

Grantmaking

The Fund’s impact has been felt in the region. It recently granted $1.027 million to 71 organizations and fiscally-sponsored projects in its second round of grantmaking. Since its inception, the Fund has made grants totaling $1.7 million to promote racial equity in the region.

New Research

To better understand the issues affecting the Inland Empire’s Black community which comprises 7.3% of the region’s population, and identify where funding might carry the most impact, the IE Black Equity Fund partnered with Mapping Black California to publish the “Black Equity Fund Report.”

Building a Culture of Philanthropy

The Fund has raised $6 million thanks to investments from the California Endowment, the Weingart Foundation, the James Irvine Foundation, Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson, and support from dozens of corporate and institutional donors. The Fund has also been strengthened by numerous individual donations.

“This is a terrific milestone for the Inland Empire and our Black-led nonprofits,” said Brie Griset Smith, Sr. VP of Charitable Giving at IECF. “We are so appreciative of those who gave generously to support the Black Equity Fund at IECF, and to BEI-IE who created this inspiring opportunity to benefit our region.”

In partnership with IE Funders Alliance and IECF, the Fund was created by The Black Equity Initiative – Inland Empire (BEI-IE), a coalition of nonprofit leaders whose work is focused on ending systemic racism and building political and economic power for the Black community in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

For more information about the IE Black Equity Fund and its mission, visit iegives.org/ieblackequityfund. For more information about BEI-IE, visit blackequityie.org

MORENO VALLEY, CA— Val Verde Unified School District Police Officer Zuriah McKnight filed suit against Val Verde Unified School District (VVUSD) and VVUSD Police Department, alleging among other things, Racial Discrimination, Failure to Prevent Harassment and Discrimination, and Retaliation, after Mr. McKnight opposed racial harassment and discrimination.

Mr. McKnight joined the VVUSD Police in 2019 and has received many positive accolades. In September 2022, Mr. McKnight was highlighted for his dedication to students and positive attitude in an article titled “Perris school resource officer shakes up rally with viral dance moves: ‘It was absolutely nuts’.”

Unfortunately, upon beginning his employment, Mr. McKnight immediately noticed that Black officers were treated disparately compared to white officers. Mr. McKnight was subjected to racial comments, including being asked by the Chief of Police if he was just going to “eat fried chicken.” Discriminatory racial comments were commonly made. In one instance, after being informed of an African American dinner at a school site, an employee remarked “why don’t they have an all-white people dinner?” Due to his race, Mr. McKnight received unfounded discipline that white officers did not and was told that he would not be sent to additional trainings like other officers.

Mr. McKnight also spoke up about the disparate treatment of female officers by VVUSD. When a female officer was injured in the field, the Chief of Police commented “if she was at home like she should have been, she wouldn’t have been shot.” Female officers were also denied ballistic vests, creating serious safety concerns.

Mr. McKnight and other officers were forced to work “on-call” for 7-day periods, meaning that they be required respond to any call at any hour of the day or night. Officers were also forced to candidate for VVUSD candidates and were told if they did not pass out flyers, “we know who will have a job and who won’t.”

Mr. McKnight continuously spoke up concerning these events and suffered from retaliation by VVUSD. Due to the hostile environment, Mr. McKnight was forced to take medical leave for his own health. While on leave, Mr. McKnight was subjected to false investigations to which he was not informed of, in violation of the Peace Officer Bill of Rights, and threatened by his supervisors and Chief of Police.

Mr. McKnight seeks economic and compensatory damages in his complaint filed in Riverside County Superior Court.

The publication features diverse patient stories and 300+ resources for care and survivorship

NATIONWIDE — Jasmine Dionne Souers, President and CEO of The Missing Pink Breast Cancer Alliance and a breast cancer survivor herself, is proud to announce the launch of More Life Magazine. The publication features a collection of stories, resources, and innovative ideas that relate to the experiences of people of color affected by breast cancer.

The website and magazine feature personal stories to address cultural access barriers, connect people to more than 300 existing resources and support services, and promote policies and practices demonstrating success in eliminating barriers and disparities.

With the support of Genentech and Built to Rock Events, The Missing Pink partnered with 12 dynamic breast cancer organizations to showcase the impact of their respective services in the lives of people of color, reflecting back the possibility of hope, help, and healing for patients and amplifying insights behind barrier-breaking efforts.

“The disparities facing minorities affected by breast cancer are so great, they’re not something one organization is going to solve alone,” said Jasmine. “More Life Magazine brings together hundreds of resources in one place, it exists in various formats, and makes it easier for patients and the people who care for them like caregivers, social workers, providers, etc. to find help that may or may not exist in their backyard.”

The inaugural issue of More Life Magazine predominantly features experiences that relate to Black and Latino people affected by breast cancer and unlike many minority breast cancer efforts, it includes the experiences of and resources for men and people who identify as LGBTQ+.

“I remember how isolating it was to navigate breast cancer as a 26-year-old Black woman in 2016,” said Jasmine. “In our first issue, I wanted to make sure we held space for as many

unique perspectives from our diverse communities as possible because where there is light, there is hope. Everyone deserves to see a reflection of themselves in the face of people who are surviving and thriving after breast cancer and know what help is available to them.”

More Life Magazine tackles various subjects, including experiences with clinical trials, parenting with cancer, fertility preservation, the impact of delayed diagnoses on families and more. As the cover story, Jasmine’s personal journey as a young survivor, advocate and co-survivor to her grandmother living with metastatic breast cancer lays the foundation for the vulnerable, authentic, and informational storytelling found throughout the publication.

“Speaking from experience, I know the challenges people are facing to overcome this disease are very real and I don’t think we should shy away from that, but the work happening to help people overcome many of these challenges is just as real,” said Jasmine. “I want to make help and hope more tangible for people who feel like it’s out of reach for them or the community they serve.”

More Life Magazine is available online, in print, and in PDF. Additional stories and resources will be added to the site. Promo items for offices and outreach events are also available online.

To learn more, visit TheMoreLifeMag.com

About
The Missing Pink Breast Cancer Alliance works collaboratively to create community resources that improve the lives of people of color affected by breast cancer. We harness the power of innovation through collaboration and education to eliminate barriers to quality healthcare and improve quality of life. To learn more, visit themissingpink.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) recently launched a new program to assist part-time and returning students to stay in college and reach their academic goals.

Launched this fall, SBVC’s Dedicated Engagement to Empower Part-Timers (D.E.E.P.) is designed to ensure that first-year or re-entry students who are enrolled full-time at SBVC have the resources necessary to be successful. Services and benefits provided include counseling, financial assistance, priority registration B, free textbooks and a specially designed orientation.

By removing barriers, these students are more likely to fully integrate into the SBVC community, stay enrolled in classes, graduate and transfer to a four-year college.

“The program’s focus on serving the part-time student body came about after examining the specialized counseling programs available for that population at SBVC,” said Ayanna Spivey, D.E.E.P.’s student services coordinator. “The results showed a student enrolled in fewer than 12 units, which determines a student’s part-time or full-time status, limited a student’s ability to apply to several programs on campus. This information directed the decision to offer a program that allowed students to receive specialized services and benefits that meet the student’s life circumstances.”

To be eligible for the program, students must complete orientation, placement and submit a FAFSA (and DREAM Act application, if applicable). With dozens already signed up, D.E.E.P. expects about 100 Wolverines will join the program during its first year.

Click here to learn more about the D.E.E.P program

A Turkish company whose floating power ships switched off the electricity supply to two of Africa’s poorest cities in recent months says it is in talks with six more countries to expand across the continent. But critics argue it only provides a short term solution to chronic underinvestment.

Karpowership, which operates floating power plants, supplies electricity to eight African countries including Ghana, Senegal, Mozambique, and Côte d’Ivoire. The company has in recent months cut off electricity in Freetown and Bissau, the capitals of Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau, after authorities failed to pay bills reportedly totalling $40 million and $15 million respectively.

The company’s chief commercial officer, Zeynep Harezi, told Semafor Africa the company is in talks with a number of African countries as part of its expansion plans. “We are in constant communication with Tanzania, Kenya, Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, [and] Liberia,” Harezi said. She added that the company expects to begin operating in South Africa in the second half of next year after winning a tender to generate 1,200 megawatts — about 2% of the country’s energy supply. Only “‘ticking the box’ activities” remain before completing the process to operate in South Africa, said Harezi.

Drs. Kevin and Kyle Phanord continue to serve the South Florida community

The spotlight is on dentistry excellence! The dynamic dentist duo, Drs. Kevin and Kyle Phanord, were honored with the prestigious 2023 Top 20 Under 40 YoPros Award from the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (HACCOF). Nadia Alcide, Executive Director of HACCOF, presented the twins with the award plaque on behalf of the Chamber at their Dental Practice in North Miami.

This recognition is a testament to the Phanord twins’ exceptional dental services and unwavering commitment to patient well-being. The YoPros Award highlights outstanding young and talented Haitian-American professionals throughout Florida.

“We are truly humbled and honored to receive the HACCOF’s “Top 20 Under 40” recognition award,” said Dr. Kevin. “This recognition further motivates us to continue our mission of providing exceptional and compassionate dental to the South Florida Community and beyond,” added Dr. Kyle.

Dr. Kevin and Dr. Kyle Phanord, known on TikTok as the “Dentist Duo,” completed infant oral health evaluation and care at the University of Florida (UF) Pediatric Dental Residency Program, where they did a Pediatric Dentistry Rotation handling everything from participating in pediatric seminars, providing dental treatment to kids and observing pediatric dental care under general anesthesia in operating rooms, to participating in procedural sedation using oral and nasal agents, and providing dental treatment of specific healthcare for adults. The brothers went on to do an oral surgery rotation where they completed one-week long rotations per semester in the student oral surgery clinic at UF College of Dentistry and completed multiple simple, as well as surgical extractions and alveoloplasties.

After obtaining their Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from UF, the Phanord twins joined their father, Dr. Roger Phanord, in the family-operated dental practice, Phanord & Associates, P.A., and since then, they have been committed to taking the dental practice to the next level.

To connect with Drs. Kevin and Kyle Phanord, be sure to follow them on their TikTok @DentistDuo. In addition, to stay connected with news and information about their dental practice, follow Phanord & Associates, P.A. on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – @Phanorddental.

Phanord & Associates, P.A. has been serving the community since the late 80s and provides a wide range of general dentistry services, including general & cosmetic dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery and more. With multilingual staff fluent in Spanish, Creole, and French, they strive to meet and exceed all dental needs.

Phanord & Associates P.A. is located at 1245 NW 119th Street in North Miami, Florida. Opening hours are Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For more information, visit www.phanord.com or call 305-685-7863. At Phanord & Associates, we are changing lives, one smile at a time!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA) announced at Cal State University, San Bernardino the introduction of the bipartisan Protecting Students’ Civil Rights Act to address discrimination and ensure racial equity on all college, university and trade school campuses. The legislation, co-led by Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), would require all Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) to designate at least one employee to ensure compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin in any program or activity that receives federal funding. Title VI coordinators would be responsible for submitting publicly accessible annual reports to the Department of Justice on any civil rights claims filed.

“University campuses are meant to be places of diversity and acceptance, where students from all backgrounds can pursue knowledge and personal growth,” said Rep. Aguilar. “In order for our students to receive the best quality education our universities have to offer, they must feel safe and accepted on their campuses. I’m proud to introduce the Protecting Students’ Civil Rights Act to ensure that any instances of race-based harassment or discrimination on college campuses are addressed quickly and effectively.”

“Over the last decades our nation has taken monumental steps to combat discrimination, including within our colleges and universities, but work remains to be done. I’m proud to support the Protecting Students’ Civil Rights Act to require institutions of higher education to designate one employee to coordinate compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. This will ensure college campuses have the necessary processes in place to guarantee students, regardless of their background, can pursue their education free from discrimination and harassment,” said Rep. González-Colón.

Both the National Education Association and the California Community College Chancellor’s Office have endorsed theProtecting Students’ Civil Rights Act. 

“Every student – no matter their race, place, or background – deserves to learn free of harassment and discrimination. But sadly, in too many colleges and institutions of higher education students have been left to defend themselves in the face of discrimination. That is why the National Education Association applauds Rep. Pete Aguilar for introducing the Protecting Students’ Civil Rights Act, which would help safeguard the civil rights of all students, ensuring that campuses remain places of learning with no room of harassment and discrimination,” saidMarc Egan, Director of Government Relations of National Education Association.

“The California Community Colleges is devoted to building equity and to the protection of our students’ civil rights as they pursue their academic and career goals. Ensuring our campuses are free from discrimination and harassment is fundamental to the California Community Colleges and our Vision 2030, a framework centered on equity and the success of our students. On behalf of the California Community Colleges and our 1.8 million students, we are proud to support this effort to combat discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.  We are grateful to Rep. Aguilar for protecting our students,” said David O’Brien, Vice Chancellor of Government Relations of California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

Reps. Aguilar and González-Colón previously introduced theProtecting Students’ Civil Rights Act in the 117^th Congress.

Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.

By Mauricio Arellano, Superintendent | San Bernardino City Unified School District

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— As San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD’s) Superintendent, I am in a constant state of awe that I have found myself in the same place where my educational journey began as a student, and later as a teacher, then a principal, and later as a director.

Reflecting on my own experience, it was SBCUSD teachers who saw that a kid from San Bernardino had brilliance and could shine, and I believe our teachers are uncovering the brilliance in our students day in and day out.

If I would have been able to tell my younger self about all the places I would go, I don’t think I would have believed any of it back then. Despite my own reluctance to believe in myself, I hope that this isn’t the case for the students in our District today.

My hope is that our students dare to dream and do the impossible simply because they can. One of our District priorities is to help our students unlock their potential and ensure that once they graduate, they can successfully enter college or career.

One of the lesser-known ways that SBCUSD supports students is through its efforts to help graduates find scholarships to help fund their post-high school educational dreams. As a student, I was fortunate enough to receive a multitude of scholarships, which helped me afford college.

In part due to two non-profit organizations that coordinate and fund scholarships specifically for SBCUSD students—the San Bernardino Community Scholarship Association and the Making Hope Happen Foundation—and dedicated Scholarship Counselors at each high school, SBCUSD provides a huge advantage to our graduates compared to many other California schools, including local charter and private schools, by offering more than 375 scholarships exclusively for SBCUSD graduates and assistance in helping students apply for other, non-exclusive scholarships and grants.

According to ThinkImpact and Education Data Initiative, only about 7% of students will receive a college/post-secondary education scholarship or grant. Of those, 16% will receive a state-funded scholarship/grant and 27% will receive federal aid in the form of a Pell Grant. Only about 3% of public school students receive private scholarships, usually averaging about $3,463.

Compare that to the 1,351 SBCUSD Class of 2023 May/June graduates who collectively earned more than $9 million in scholarships and grants, including military enlistment bonuses. That equated to just over 42% of all SBCUSD May/June 2023 graduates, including adult graduates of Inland Career Education Center (ICEC) and continuation high school graduates from San Andreas and Sierra High Schools.

And in case you thought that $9 million was just a fluke, you would be wrong. I was pleased to learn that SBCUSD’s Class of 2022 and Class of 2021 each earned more than $11 million in scholarships and grants.

Indian Springs High School’s 334 graduates from the Class of 2023 earned the most scholarship dollars this past school year. Graduates earned a total of $1,850,882 in scholarships and grants, which includes military scholarships and enlistment bonuses.

The oldest SBCUSD high school and my alma mater—San Bernardino High School—graduated 291 students who earned the second-highest total of scholarship and grant dollars of any SBCUSD school at $1,601,214.

A full 100% of Middle College High School‘s 48 graduates earned scholarships totaling $810,000.

Cajon High School’s 613 Class of 2023 graduates, which also included International Baccalaureate (IB) students, earned $804,811 in scholarships and grants. Another SBCUSD IB school, Arroyo Valley High School, proudly graduated 665 students who pulled in a total $1,302,000 in scholarships and grants.

Of Pacific High School’s 202 Class of 2023 graduates, 77% received a combined total of $1,285,969 in scholarships and grants. Almost 75% of San Gorgonio High School‘s Class of 2023 secured $1,500,000 in scholarships and grants, including $450,2000 from an Air Force Academy scholarship and enlistment bonuses.

SBCUSD’s continuation high schools also boasted scholarship and grant recipients, with 20 San Andreas High School and 24 Sierra High School graduates in the Class of 2023 earning $24,525 and $20,925, respectively.

Eight of ICEC’s 179 adult high school diploma and GED graduates earned a combined $13,354 in scholarships and grants.

San Bernardino Community Scholarship Association’s 87 donors were responsible for awarding 248 scholarships to SBCUSD’s Class of 2023 totaling $261,705. SBCUSD graduates are exclusively eligible to receive these scholarships. Each scholarship has unique requirements, but because there are so many different scholarships, the odds are that most graduates will qualify for at least one if not more. And new scholarships are constantly being established through the Association.

The Making Hope Happen Foundation, a non-profit supporting the District’s educational mission, awarded $3,000 mentor-supported college scholarships to 128 SBCUSD graduates this  year, for a total of $384,000. What makes these scholarships unique is that in addition to money, scholarship recipients are paired with a mentor, who is an upperclassman in college and also an SBCUSD alum, to help guide them through the college experience, helping them register for classes and navigate this new phase of their lives.

The bottom line is that San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) graduates are almost six times more likely to be awarded scholarships and grants for post-secondary education, and the average amount they receive is almost double the average across the nation. And it’s not too late for local high school students to take advantage of these resources by enrolling in SBCUSD via the District’s enrollment webpage at https://www.sbcusd.com/departments/student-services-division/enrollment-placement-services or by calling (909) 889-7576.

For more information or to donate to the Making Hope Happen Foundation, visit https://makinghope.org/ or contact CEO Niki Dettman at (909) 245-1452 or niki.dettman@makinghope.org. To create your own scholarship or donate to one of the many existing Association-managed scholarships, contact the San Bernardino Community Scholarship Association at sbcsa@sbcusd.k12.ca.us or call (909) 381-1250.

Amid what experts call a global mental health crisis, a new article series has been released highlighting the Bible’s role in promoting mental wellness.

“Mental Health — Help From the Bible,” available free of charge both in print and on Jehovah’s Witnesses’ official website, jw.org, encourages readers to seek assistance with mental health concerns and outlines how guidance found in Scripture can help in practical ways. The lead article in the series, “A Worldwide Mental Health Crisis,” not only documents contributing factors but also defines what a mental disorder is and what it is not.

“The Bible is not a medical guidebook, but its enduring principles are as powerful today as they ever were,” said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesperson for the organization. “This special series provides comfort and strategies based on those principles. We are thrilled to provide such a powerful resource to the world” Houstonian Chelsea Hart, 29, recalls giving little thought to her mental health during the pandemic. It wasn’t until COVID-19 restrictions had lifted in her area that she began to realize something was wrong.

“Everything around me was getting back to normal, but I wasn’t,” said Hart. “I had always been a really outgoing person, but I didn’t want to go anywhere or see anyone. I hardly recognized myself — I felt so numb.”

Hart’s experience is echoed by millions worldwide. The World Health Organization’s 2022 report on global mental health — the largest report of its kind since the turn of the century — found that during the first year of the pandemic alone, anxiety and depression rates rose 25%. The same report called the global response to mental health needs “insufficient and inadequate,” noting that many people who have a mental disorder have no access to care – numbering into the hundreds of millions worldwide

Since her diagnosis with depression last year, Hart has sought medical treatment, but she says tips from “Mental Health — Help From the Bible” are making a difference, too.

“When I experience intrusive thoughts and feelings of worthlessness, I fight negative thoughts with positive ones,” she said. “I remind myself that God loves and values me.”

Hart’s husband, Jonah, 30, found the article’s “How to Help Those With Mental Health Challenges” section especially useful.

“When Chelsea first began having issues with her mental health, I didn’t know how to help her,” he said. “I was impatient at times, and I even blamed myself for not being able to do more. The article has helped me be the patient, supportive partner she needs.”

“Mental Health — Help From the Bible” is available free of charge and without a subscription on jw.org.

By Lila Brown | California Black Media
Recent studies suggest that the economic picture for Black Californians is not looking rosy.

Increasingly, the state is becoming more unaffordable for African Americans, leading many families to relocate to less expensive places both within and outside of the borders of the Golden state.

“After pandemic-era declines, California’s poverty rate is on the rise. Expansions to safety net programs during the pandemic reduced poverty substantially, but these expansions had mostly expired by the end of 2022,” reads a report published by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) on October 24.

For Black Californians, the poverty rate at 13.6% is more than double the percentage of African Americans living in California, which currently stands at about 5.8% of the state’s population of nearly 40 million.

“While economic growth throughout 2022 countered some of these program losses — by boosting family resources from work — the state’s overall poverty rate increased from 11.7% in fall 2021 to 13.2% in early 2023,” the PPIC report continued.

The unemployment numbers for Black Californians also remain high – and continue to climb.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, the unemployment rate for Black Californians stands at 7.4%, which is higher than the 4.5% unemployment rate for all racial groups in the state for Q2 2023.

This is also higher than the national rate of 5.8%.

In California, the Black-White unemployment rate ratio is at 1.9 to 1.

The national Black-White unemployment ratio remained at 2-to-1 in the second quarter of 2023, maintaining the historic trend of Black workers being twice as likely to be unemployed as White workers. There’s nowhere in the country where the unemployment numbers for Black and White workers are equal.

For September, the California Employment Development Department (EDD) reported that unemployment is on the rise. The state’s unemployment rate crept up to 4.7%, an increase of 144,000 people. It is the second highest unemployment rate of any state. The labor force – Californians working or looking for work – also shrank.

Between 2021 to 2022, the overall poverty rate in California rose from 11.0% to 16.4%. This increase can be linked to the high costs of living, inflation, and the end of pandemic-era supports, such as the expanded federal Child Tax Credit and other welfare benefits. While financial assistance cut the poverty rate for Black Californians by three-quarters to 9.5% in 2021, it lessened poverty for Black Californians by well under half the following year, contributing to a near doubling of their poverty rate to 18.6%.

The California Budget Center checking the pulse of households from US Census data showed that more than half (54%) of Black Californians reported facing difficulty paying for essential needs like food and housing.

Los Angeles County (15.5%) and San Diego County (15.0%) had the highest poverty rates. The Central Valley and Sierra region had the lowest (10.7%), largely due to lower housing costs.

In China last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom highlighted the strength of California’s economy, the fifth largest in the world, and President Joe Biden released his Bidenomics report in June highlighting the achievements of his Invest in America plan.

The White House reports that under the Biden-Harris Administration, Black Americans have experienced their lowest unemployment rate on record and the highest employment rate since November 2000. The participation of Black workers in the labor force has also reached its highest level since August 2008. There has been reduction in the Black child poverty rate by greater than 12%, impacting over 200,000 children, through the Thrifty Food Plan.

Most reports point to signs that the nation is currently at pre-pandemic levels and California has recovered its pandemic-induced job losses in June 2022, according to the latest California Labor Market Review released in August. However, those numbers indicating the state economy is strong and stabilizing contrast with the harsh realities confronting many Black Californians struggling every day to make ends meet.

A study by the Urban Institute released in September shines light on the complex challenges Black Californians face as more of them make the decision to relocate to less expensive areas in the state, mostly driven by a combination of economic factors like housing unaffordability, rolling layoffs, rising inflation, an increase in renter evictions and stagnant salaries.

The report indicates that, “Over the last decade, several factors have contributed to many Black residents relocating from urban epicenters to the suburbs of metropolitan areas and to smaller, less dense, less populous cities.”

“This has been the reality of many Black Californians: as the Black populations of San Francisco and Alameda counties drop, those of Contra Costa and Sacramento rise. As Los Angeles sees its share of Black residents decline, neighboring Riverside and San Bernardino shares increase,” that report further highlights.

Lisa D. Cook, Governor of the Federal Reserve Board, says unemployment lies at the root of all America’s social problems and pushing for maximum employment for all Americans is the solution to minimizing poverty. Cook made the point while accepting the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies’ Louis E. Martin Award on Oct. 18 in Washington, D.C.

“Maximum employment boosts long-run economic potential. It means that a vital resource is being used productively. A strong labor market increases labor force participation and the willingness of firms to recruit and upgrade the skills of workers,” cook stated. She explained that the Full Employment and Balanced Growth Act of 1978, also known as the Humphrey-Hawkins Act, set economic priorities for the federal government centered on promoting good-paying jobs for all Americans.

“Maximum employment also promotes business investment that boosts productivity and long-run economic potential. And the full participation of all segments of society should be expected to result in more ideas, including more diverse ideas, more invention, and more innovation,” Cook concluded.