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By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Since its inception in 2003, the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) has been America’s premier civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer+, and same gender loving (LGBTQ+/SGL) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS through coalition building, federal policy change, research, and education. The organization’s mission is to end racism, homophobia, and LGBTQ+/SGL bias and stigma.

Operating out of Los Angeles, the NBJC supports Black individuals, families, and communities to strengthen the bonds and bridge the divides between the movements advocating for racial justice and LGBTQ+/SGL equity.

The leadership at the NBJC envisions a world where all people are fully empowered to participate safely, openly, and honestly in family, faith, and community, regardless of race, class, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Black LGBTQ+/SGL Americans constitute a significant subset of Black families with 3.7 percent of all Black Americans (more than one million people) identifying as LGBTQ+/SGL, according to the Williams Institute in 2013.

NBJC acknowledges that the challenges facing the community are exacerbated by the stigma and marginalization that attend social constructions of race, normative gender, and sexuality. In an effort to empower Black LGBTQ+/SGL people and their families, NBJC prioritized three policy pillars in 2023: Ensuring that all Black lives matter; co-creating a nation where everyone can thrive; and repairing and healing a divided nation.

California Black Media spoke with Jeffery Wallace, President and CEO of Leaders Up, which is a member of the NBJC.

What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

Despite California being a progressive state, when we look at economic outcomes, we still see a major gap between us and our White counterparts. Leaders Up looks at how to build an anti-racist and inclusive economy where there is no racial disparity in the areas of education, employment, compensation and benefits. Beyond that, how do we normalize psychological and physical safety in the labor market, equal opportunities for pathways to leadership and sharing power.

In particular, we know that the queer and trans community are under full frontal assault. What NBJC has allowed us to do is to incorporate an intentionality, a level of consciousness where we can work with our employers and our development partners around identity and inclusion. Ensuring that when we think about Black folks, we’re thinking about Black queer folks and the unique supports and advocacy necessary to ensure they have the support they need to thrive. It has been critical as we think about an intersectional economy that we center queer identities in that work and ensuring the workplace has the capabilities to best serve the population.

What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?

Our greatest success has been defining how we shift from employment and placing folks into careers to transforming the conditions of the economy and the workplace and education system to ensure that those types of opportunities can be generated at scale. Over the last 10 years we’ve been able to place 70,000 people into employment. However, when the pandemic hit, young people of color in particular were the last
ones hired and the first ones fired. Which means that the conditions of the economy had to be transformed in the way where industries saw frontline workers and people color as vital aspects of their strategy. So,
we decided to do something about that.

In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Systemic racism. I think that when we think about a system that has been designed even in California for African Americans to not win, that’s the biggest challenge that we’re facing. The biggest challenge is also ourselves. For us to organize in a way for us to consolidate our power and shift the conditions we operate in. It’s time for us to not just win the game but change the rules of the game to ensure policies are designed to give Black folks an equitable opportunity to build out here.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

It’s capital. Finding out how to amass the capital that frees us up to do the work in a more impactful way. So, we’re no longer concerned about sustainability and more concerned about transformation. That’s the biggest gap between Black service organizations and our White counterparts. Access to resources to be able to have the capacity to
dream and execute with intention and impact.

Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

Absolutely. The more that the movement incorporates organizations like ours, it becomes important for us to dream big around the capital for Black folks to build economic power. Our interest is for Black folks to have the agency to live the lifestyles that aligns with their aspirations and needs. When we think about reparations and the missteps America made post-Civil War and the intentional harms that California has allowed to happen to Black people, the equitable thing to do is to invest in not just reparations but healing and infrastructure.

How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?

You can visit our website at leadersup.org. We are always looking for professionals who want to give back through career coaching. We have a myriad of opportunities to expose young adults to different career pathways. And we’re looking for business leaders who are looking to connect to the next generation of talent and do it in a way where you are improving your own workplace environment so that you have deeper retention and higher performing teams.

You can also visit nbjc.org to connect with the work we are doing nationwide.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

The California Black Health Network (CBHN) is the only organization committed to advancing health equity for African Americans and Black immigrants in the Golden State.

CBHN’s mission is to ensure that all Black Californians, irrespective of their educational background, socio-economic class, zip code, sexual orientation, gender identity, living conditions or immigration status have access to high-quality and equitable primary and behavioral healthcare.

This mission aims to prevent people from unnecessarily succumbing to disease-related fatalities and is supported by CBHN’s many events, informational sessions, fundraisers, and training sessions.

One recurring event that CBHN hosts is the online Health Equity Forum. At the forum, various stakeholders convene to discuss the most pressing health issues affecting Black communities.

CBHN’s Health4Life series brings together health professionals from diverse disciplines to share information about family health history. That knowledge of genetic genealogy is an important aspect of achieving a healthier community in the eyes of CBHN. The organization also forges partnerships with community groups to participate in festivals and other recreational events to bring health information to the public in more informal settings.

CBHN prioritizes supporting research and educational initiatives that document the underlying factors influencing the health status of Black Californians and informing policy initiatives aimed at reducing disparities.

CBHN’s #carrythevoice campaign provides the Black community with a platform to share their experiences with the healthcare system.

California Black Media spoke with Rhonda M. Smith, Executive Director of CA Black Health Network, about the organization’s impact, achievements, and challenges over the year.

What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

The California Black Health Network conducts outreach, education, and advocacy to achieve health equity for Black Californians through the lens of understanding critical issues that lie at the intersection of racial justice, social justice, and environmental justice.

What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?

Over the past year, we were recognized for our work and impact. CBHN was chosen as Nonprofit of the Year by the Sacramento Black Chamber, and as a DEI Award Honoree by the Sacramento Business Journal. In addition, we enrolled over 1,000 people in healthcare coverage and provided health education to over 2,000 Black Californians to improve health literacy and self-empowerment.

In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

I think that our health is our greatest asset. Unfortunately, Black Californians don’t all have the same opportunity, ability, and resources to live long healthy lives like other racial or ethnic groups. So, access to quality, equitable, culturally competent, and affordable healthcare is our biggest challenge. If we don’t have good health and longevity, it affects all other aspects of our lives.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

Like all nonprofit organizations, we’re in the business of fundraising, and like many Black-led organizations there’s the challenge of the philanthropy giving gap. The unrestricted net assets of Black-led organizations are 76% smaller than their White-led counterparts, andtheir average percentage of revenue was less than half. It’s a major challenge, especially in garnering investments for core operating support and capacity building — especially since there has been a decline since 2020 of funding opportunities available for Black-led nonprofits.

Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

Yes, and we support the activities of the reparations task force and will do our part to address the issues identified in chapter 12 related to physical and mental health.

How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?

They can start by becoming a member of the Black Health Network, attend our webinars and events, and volunteer their time, talent, and treasure in support of the organization’s mission and work, and join the Campaign for Black Health Equity.

The Black Health Network is the membership arm of the California Black Health Network and is a virtual community of like-minded health equity leaders, professionals, policy makers, advocates, individuals, and partners who work to ensure that Black Californians live lives free from violence, racism, and health inequities. As a Network member, you will be able to network and interact with others virtually; exchange information and collaborate on common interests and goals; develop professional or social contacts; and leverage tools and resources to help you achieve impact in your mission to improve the health and well-being of Black Californians.

Visit CaBlackHealthNetwork.org for more information on how you can get involved.

Lawmaker’s bill would result in changes to 2014 Proposition 47 initiative.

SACRAMENTO, CA— Prosecutors will find it easier to seek sterner penalties against retail theft suspects if a bill, AB 1772, introduced today by Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) is approved by the legislature, governor and then wins voter approval. If approved, store thefts would no longer be processed as a misdemeanor with no jail time if a suspect has been convicted of two or more specified theft-related offenses, and punishment could range from imprisonment in the county jail ranging from six months to as long as three years.

Ramos said, “Shoplifting, smash-and-grab thefts, and other acts of retail theft trends are causing retailers to close their businesses and endangering customers and employees. Since the pandemic, these crimes have increased. That is not the direction California needs to go.“ He added, “The Public Policy Institute reported that the 2022 rates for commercial burglary rates had increased by almost 16 percent compared to 2019. The PPIC also reported that shoplifting in 2022 had increased by nearly 29% from the pandemic years.”

In 2014, voters approved Prop 47 by a 60% to 40% vote and categorized some nonviolent offenses as misdemeanors rather than felonies. One provision increased the threshold amount for theft misdemeanors from $450 to $950 and did not allow prior such convictions to count toward the new $950 threshold. If Ramos’s measure becomes law, it would become effective only upon voters’ consent at the next statewide election. AB 1772 does not state a new threshold for triggering the increased penalties for retail theft, only the existence of prior convictions on the suspect’s criminal record.

In February 2023, the legislator requested the state auditor to review the effectiveness of Proposition 47 to determine whether it had escalated crime rates in San Bernardino and Riverside counties and if so, what categories had been affected. The auditor’s report is expected later this year.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Youth Build Inland Empire, is proud to present the 4th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award Gala. This distinguished event will honor ten outstanding individuals for their unwavering commitment, hard work, and dedication to fostering growth, success, and prosperity within their local communities.

Congratulations to the 2024 MLK Gala Award Honorees:

1. Amanda Moody – San Bernardino Valley College Community Engagement Coordinator
2. Kimberly Calvin – San Bernardino City Council Board Member, 6th Ward
3. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers – San Bernardino County Board of Education, representing Area D
4. Sandra Rodriguez – San Bernardino City Unified School District Board Member
5. Frank Reyes – San Bernardino City College District Board of Trustees, Trustee, Area 1
6. Green Shack Marketplace
7. Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches
8. James Thoms Tillman – Community Liaison
9. Lata Wilson – Talon Networks
10. Linda Hart – African American Health Coalition

The gala will take place on Saturday, January 13, 2024, starting at 5 p.m., at the San Bernardino International Airport, located at 105 N Leland Norton Way in San Bernardino. The evening promises to be a celebration of achievements, featuring a delightful dinner and a special performance by Monibee Henley Medina and the Old School review group, The Bromatics.

The event will be hosted by LUE Dowdy, President of the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Cities East Chapter and co-hosted by Ipyani Lockert of Motivational Realizations.

Tickets for this extraordinary gala can be purchased on the chamber’s official website at www.blackchamberofcommerce.org. We invite the community to come together, enjoy a night of celebration, and show support for these well-deserved honorees.

VICTORVILLE, CA—- Join the “Dancing with the leaders of the Inland Empire” project for two FREE dance workshops in the Inland Empire! Makeda Kumasi of WE 3 PRODUCTIONS, Joy Willson of Caribbean Joy Dance Group, and Monique Williams-Randolph of Unity Dance Studio will be hosting the workshops that will feature classes in Jazz, Caribbean, and West African Dance. The first workshop will be in Victorville on Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Hook Community Center, located at 14973 Joshua Street in Victorville. The second workshop will be in San Bernardino on January 27 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at San Bernardino Valley College, 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue in Gym 214.

This activity is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency, as part of the Creative Corps Inland SoCal Arts Project. The “Dancing with the Leaders of the Inland Empire” multi-media production will be touring this Summer 2024 with three shows in three locations! Victorville 6/8/24, San Bernardino 6/15/24, and Riverside 6/22/24.  More information is coming soon.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—Ephesians New Testament Church along with the Community of Fontana will be hosting Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration “Jazz for Scholarships”, an evening of jazz featuring 4-time Emmy nominee Oleta Adams with special guest jazz pianist, J Michael O’Neal. Concert will be held 7:00pm at the Fontana Steel Workers Auditorium, 8437 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, California. Tickets prices are: $50/General Admission, $75/Reserve Seating, and $100/VIP.

Tickets may be purchased at Ephesians New Testament Church, 9161 Sierra Avenue, Suite #201-B, Fontana, CA. For additional information and to reserve tickets, you may call (909) 823-2310.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino has announced that it has received a $240,800 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to plan road improvements along Baseline Street. Upon completion of the work funded through this award, the City will be positioned to compete for project funding in future USDOT funding cycles.

“Baseline Street is one of the most important streets in San Bernardino, as it runs from the most eastern to the most western part of the city, said Lynn Merrill, San Bernardino’s Interim Public Works Director. “Using this grant to create a plan that implements safety enhancements along this corridor underscores the City’s commitment to improving our streets and intersections.”

The Department of Transportation awarded 385 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants to regional, local, and Tribal communities for implementation, planning, and demonstration projects at the local level to improve safety and help prevent deaths and serious injuries on the nation’s roadways.

The City of San Bernardino will use this award to conduct a comprehensive assessment of safety issues along Baseline Street between Meridian Avenue to Tippecanoe Avenue, with a specific focus on improving safety conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. Measures proposed to be part of the study include high-visibility crosswalks; Class I, II, and III bike lanes; electronic speed feedback signs; and road adjustment measures such as modifying lane widths and the installation of rumble strips.

Recommendations from this process, which will also include community engagement, would be added to the City’s Local Road Safety Plan, one of the requirements necessary to apply for future funding offered through SS4A to make the improvements.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) was established in 1967 when African American members of the California Legislature, under the leadership of former State Sen. Mervyn Dymally, came together to address issues faced by Black Californians.

The origins of the CLBC date back to 1918 when Frederick M. Roberts was elected to the California State Assembly. Roberts was the first African American to serve in the California State Legislature. In those early years, legislative efforts focused on abolishing laws and policies that restricted African Americans from fully exercising their civil, social and political rights.

Among these initiatives was a bill authored by Roberts in 1921 that prohibited the publication of education materials that portrayed negative images of people of color. Roberts also authored landmark civil rights legislation in 1919 and 1923, guaranteeing African Americans access to public accommodations.

During the 1960s, members believed that a caucus representing concerns of the African American community would provide political influence and visibility far beyond their numbers.

Today, the CLBC consists of 12 members.

Throughout its history, the CLBC and African American members of the legislature have been instrumental in crafting and supporting legislation that fosters racial and gender equality as well as advancing an agenda that assures quality health care for all, focuses on employment and economic security, and advocates for justice for all Californians.

During the 2024 legislative session, the CLBC hopes to secure funding

for critical programs and organizations working to improve the lives of Black Californians.

In addition, the CLBC will continue to support programs that encourage academic excellence. Two examples are the caucus’s Frederick M. Roberts college scholarship program, which provides scholarships to college-bound students, and the African American Leaders For Tomorrow program, a training institute for high school aged students.

California Black Media spoke with Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), chair of the CLBC, about the organization’s priorities, challenges and plans for the next legislative session.

What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

The 12 members of the California Legislative Black Caucus collaboratively develop and advocate for policies addressing economic justice, education, healthcare, criminal justice reform, and other issues impacting Black Californians. In 2024, the Caucus is prioritizing a reparations legislative package in response to the historic two-year Reparations study and report.

What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?

In 2023, the Caucus achieved legislative success by securing significant investments for institutions and programs supporting Black lives and advancing justice totaling more than $320 million dollars. Additionally, we introduced 10 legislative priorities, with three chartered into law.

Our nonprofit arm raised close to $3 million, funding our signature events and programs, like our annual Frederick Roberts college scholarship program, which supported 150 students this year with $3,500 awards, and our annual African American Leaders for Tomorrow program at California State Dominguez Hills.

CBM: In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Housing, education, public safety and equity across the board remain the most significant challenges.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

Despite our best efforts to pool resources and collaborate with strategic partners, the ongoing challenge is the insufficient funding to address the breadth of issues faced by Black communities.

Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

Absolutely. We are actively preparing for the 2024 legislative fight for reparations. Two of our caucus’s seasoned legislators, Sen. Bradford and Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer, served on the reparations task

force. From the two-year study, we have created a framework to achieve legislative and budget wins as well as to work collaboratively with strategic partners up and down the state.

How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?

We encourage all Californians to support Black legislators and join the movement to advocate for a better California for all, ensuring fair, just, and equitable representation. Participation is crucial for creating positive and transformational change in California.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— This holiday season, San Bernardino has announced the launch of “Shop Local SB,” an exciting program that puts the spotlight on the City’s local businesses. As part of the program, residents and visitors are invited to support local commerce and win prizes through two different “Shop Local SB” promotions.

“Discovering the unique businesses in our City is exciting and serves as a reminder as to what makes San Bernardino special,” said Amanda Hernandez, San Bernardino Economic Development Manager. “In addition, shopping locally contributes to the prosperity of the City by supporting local jobs and business owners, creating a positive multiplier effect throughout the entire community.”

Approximately 50 local businesses are already participating in the program, including: The Factorie, Knight Skate, Guadalajara Furniture, Tacos Don Ramon, Revival Arcade, and Invictus Barber Company.

The current “Shop Local SB” promotions include a social media contest and a drawing for participants who shop locally between now and the end of the year. Prizes for both contests are being supplied by the participating businesses.

Shop Local SB Contest Rules:

1. Spend a minimum of $25 at a participating San Bernardino business by December 31, 2023.
2. Eligible submissions receive a free gift bag (while supplies last), notified via email.
3. Submit receipts via the online form dated through December 31, 2023.
4. One submission per household, with a City of San Bernardino address.
5. Prizes generously provided by participating local businesses.

Shop Local SB Social Media Contest Rules:

1. Post a picture on Instagram with a participating local business.
2. Submit a screenshot of the post via the online form by December 31, 2023.
3. Follow and tag the Economic Development Department’s Instagram (@sbcityced).
4. Include the hashtag #ShopLocalSB in your post.
5. One entry allowed per Instagram handle account, with a chance to win an exclusive prize.

Winners will be randomly selected from qualified submissions on Wednesday, January 10, 2024,

To learn more about the program, to see the list of participating businesses, or to submit an entry, please visit the City of San Bernardino’s Shop Local SB website.

For San Bernardino businesses wanting to participate in this or future promotions, contact Joanna Gavilanes at Gavilanes_Jo@sbcity.org or (909) 384-7272 extension 3513. There is no cost to participate.

By Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media

When Los Angeles hosted its annual car show a little over a month ago at the LA Convention Center, it not only showcased the latest in automotive technology, but the event also transformed into a policy forum on clean energy, previewing what lies ahead for California’s electric vehicle (EV) future.

Battery-powered cars took center stage. They accounted for the majority of the over 1000 vehicles on display, ranging from cars and trucks to motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and semi-trucks.

For Black and other minority advocates in attendance, several concerns emerged. Among them were the impact of the transition to zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs) on Black Californians and how the state will equip low-income neighborhoods with the infrastructure needed when California bans the sale of all gas-powered vehicles in 2035.

“It’s not enough to build the infrastructure in low-income neighborhoods, the people in those neighborhoods need to have access to the jobs installing and maintaining that infrastructure,” said Charles Dorsey of The Dorsey Group, a Black-owned-and-operated Long Beach-based consulting firm.

Speaking on the sidelines of the car show in a meeting room tucked away from showgoers, Dorsey engaged in a lively policy discussion about California’s clean energy future.

“My hope is that this is also an opportunity for us to make a decision to do business with small and growing businesses, understanding that you’re going to have to work with them, so they can get to the same place; and that can be a metric for [success],” Dorsey said. “How many small businesses did we rock with until they became medium businesses because of the contracts that we are intentionally delivering there?”

With an average price of around $58,000 per vehicle, affordability is a significant hurdle for potential EV buyers despite a federal tax credit of

$7,500. Concerns about the availability and access to charging stations — often referred to as range anxiety – may also impede adoption, especially in underserved markets where electric infrastructure is less available or apparent.

Advocates for equity say they are hopeful that there will be opportunities for Blacks and others to participate in the clean car value chain.

Plans to build charging stations and related infrastructure to support electric cars are creating new industries and opportunities for labor and manufacturing in the Golden State, they say, and positioning California as a leader in the EV market.

Los Angeles County has the highest number of chargers and EV registrations in the state, and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is actively collaborating with businesses and residents to try to bring electrification infrastructure to areas across the region.

In another conference room at the auto show, the LADWP and the California Electric Transportation Coalition discussed their progress and shortcomings.

“We’ve been meeting with faith and community leaders about and listening to their feedback and needs. At the LA Department of Water and Power, we feel that we have resources and experts to do anything,” said LADWP representative Emil Abdelshehid, after acknowledging the need for substantial growth.

“The Leaders that came to us and talked about how there are no electric vehicle charging infrastructure in their neighborhoods,” Abdelshehid said. “[They asked] what can we do to get that infrastructure into those neighborhoods because a lot of these locations in the city of Los Angeles have space.”

Currently, there are federal incentives for domestic manufacturing and purchasing of domestically manufactured EVs.

With EVs now being more than a quarter of all cars sold in California, policymakers, advocates and industry experts agree that the California automotive economy will be a significant driver of economic transition to zero emission vehicles (ZEVs).

The federal Inflation Reduction Act, which was enacted in 2022, uses tax credits to incentivize EV manufacturers to begin building an end-to- end domestic pipeline so that their vehicles will qualify for the tax credit available to buyers.

Those incentives to spur domestic manufacturing appear to be working.

In just one year since the bill passed, areas not normally associated with the auto industry are getting involved in the production of batteries and the assembly of vehicles as domestic production ramps up. Billions of dollars of investments are creating green industry jobs across the country.

“These incentives complement investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other federal initiatives that are spurring the domestic manufacturing of EVs and batteries and the development of a national EV charging network that provides access to low income and disadvantaged communities,” said a statement from the Whitehouse.

Demand for EVs in California is driving much of the ZEV market. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) estimates that California ZEV sales are 34% of all national clean car sales.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has taken several steps that signal strong support for the state’s full transition to EVs, which include continuing to develop electrification infrastructure. California currently has 93,855 public and shared private electric vehicle chargers, but equity of access remains a concern.

“It’s important that we look at jobs in targeted low-income communities– everything from the innovation and design to manufacturing, production, assembly, construction, installation of these assets. All of those have job components,” said Larry Rillera of the California Energy Commission, speaking during a panel discussion at the car show.