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By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

The California Reparations Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans will hold its last in-person meeting on June 29 in Sacramento. The meeting will take place in the First Floor Auditorium of the March Fong Eu Secretary of State Building, located at 1500 11th Street.

The task force will submit its final report to the California legislature. If approved, California could become the first state to provide reparations to the descendants of enslaved Black Americans.

Task force vice-chairperson Rev. Amos Brown said the state legislature must “do the right thing” before leaving San Francisco for a speaking engagement in Jackson, Miss., to recognize the 60th year since NAACP field secretary Medgar Evers was killed on June 12, 1963.

“It’s now time for some deliberate action,” said Brown, the pastor of Third Street Baptist Church in San Francisco. “If they don’t provide support, action, or forms of reparations in this nation, and in this state, they will be giving credence to bigotry, racism, and inhumanity towards Black folks.”

During the past 24 months, while the state reparations task force held public hearings and listened to expert testimony to uncover historical wrongdoings and discriminatory policies against descendants of enslaved Blacks in order to determine appropriate compensation, some cities in California started their own reparations efforts.

In June 2021, the city of Los Angeles established the Reparations Advisory Commission (RAC), a seven-member task force comprised of activists, academicians, attorneys, racial justice advocates, and more. It is supported by Los Angeles’ Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department’s Office of Racial Equity.

The RAC advises the city on the formation of a reparations pilot program for Californians who are descendants of enslaved Black Americans in the Los Angeles area, according to Khansa T. “Friday Jones” Jones-Muhammad, a member of the commission. The RAC provides recommendations for the format, function, and goals of the initiative, including strategies and opportunities to seek public or private funding.

In April, RAC hosted its first in-person forum at the California African American Museum.

“African Americans in Los Angeles are overrepresented in homelessness and underrepresented in generational wealth. It is the result of a system that has denied African Americans the ability to fully exercise their God-given liberties,” said RAC Chairperson Michael Lawson at the meeting.

Lawson is the CEO and President of the L.A. Urban League.

“The closure needed is a mutual recognition of the wrongs that have been meted upon the members of the victimized community. I am grateful to everyone who joined us as we take this step forward together,” he added.

In December 2020, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance establishing the 15-member San Francisco African American Reparations Advisory Committee (AARAC).

Over the course of two years, AARAC developed a San Francisco Reparations Plan that addresses institutional and city-sanctioned wrongdoings against Black communities in San Francisco.

AARAC specifically focuses on improving different aspects of Black life, including education, housing, workforce development, economic opportunities, financial stability, small businesses, access to public transit, and food security. The committee is committed to reducing violence, addressing health disparities and preventing over-criminalization of African Americans.

In March, AARAC presented to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors over 100 recommendations, including a proposal to pay each qualifying Black city resident a one-time lump sum reparation payment of $5 million.

In an interview with San Francisco’s KRON 4 News on March 24, Eric McDonnell, the chairperson of AARAC, stated that the recommendations are an estimation of the atrocities experienced by Black Americans.

“Our task (AARAC) was to do the appraisal, and it’s the city’s task to determine, based upon recommendations, what they decide to adopt,” McDonnell said.

In 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, San Diego established the Department of Race and Equity (DRE) to address disparities experienced by individuals in the city. This initiative was led by San Diego City Councilmember Monica Montgomery-Steppe, who is a member of the state’s reparations task force.

Last year, the city of Sacramento began developing a municipal reparations initiative committed to “truth telling and trust building” called the Sacramento Centered on Racial Equity (SCORE) plan.

SCORE is designed to interrupt patterns and processes rooted in dominant cultural patterns that perpetuate systemic racism and racial hierarchy within the city.

Betty Williams, the President of the Sacramento Branch of the NAACP, praised the work SCORE has started but she wants to further expand discussions on reparations for the Sacramento Black community.

“I want an outreach team to go out in the community to ask the critical question: ‘Do you want a (reparations) task force and what should it look like?’” Williams told California Black Media. “That’s the discussion I’ve had with Mayor (Darrell) Steinberg on how to put something like this together. It’s not just monetary. Education, housing, small business — all of those things should be part of the recommendations and of what reparations should look like for Black Sacramentans.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The Riverside County Black Chamber of Commerce (RCBCC), First Community Capital (FCC), and Jacquetta Green Marketing Services (JGMS) are teaming with San Bernardino’s 66ers Minor League Baseball team to present a combined community meet and greet, recognition ceremony, and a special tribute to the Negro Baseball League in honor of its 103rd anniversary.

To pay great homage, there will also be a resource fair providing free COVID-19 vaccines, low-cost health insurance, housing assistance, transportation assistance, job assistance, and more!

RCBCC’s mission is to empower and inspire minority entrepreneurs in their indigenous communities to be successful, and to partner with like-minded individuals, companies, and nonprofit organizations to achieve this mission.

FCC is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that helps low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs who lack sufficient training and education to gain access to capital and thereby delivering long-term economic small businesses recovery and resiliency. They often lend to borrowers that may not meet mainstream institutions’ underwriting criteria, helping to bridge the gap between conventional lending standards and the needs of hard-to-reach borrowers by currently providing low-interest loans via the BIPOC Loan Fund.

JGMS’s mission is to be a vessel to uplift and empower others by living in purpose for the greater good by bringing the community together on every level – Cultural events, local politics, Community Meetups, Business & Individual Achievements, Acknowledgements & Awards Ceremonies, Cosmetology & Barbering Industry professionals platforms & Hair Shows, Modeling & Talent scouting, with much regard in Economic Diversity and Growth.

This tribute will honor the Negro League & recognize players in the Hall of Fame: Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Babe Ruth, Oscar Charleston, and Josh Gibson. These men were great heroes in their community, and they should be treasured and appreciated the way all ball players are. In 2020, Major League Baseball announced it would recognize Negro Leagues between 1920 and 1948 to major league statistics, making the records of those players an official part of MLB history. The community leaders & organizations will also be honored for their excellence in education, civic engagement, business excellence, and outstanding individual achievements.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— – Sprouts Farmers Market, one of the fastest-growing retailers in the country, announced it will soon open its new store in Rialto, CA to expand local access to fresh and healthy foods.

The new store is located at 1524 S. Riverside Ave. in Rialto, CA will open on Friday, September 1 at 7 a.m. Details about the grand opening celebration will be announced soon.

The healthy grocer’s new location is bringing approximately 103 full- and part-time career opportunities to the area. Sprouts’ healthy approach to grocery shopping means potential team members should share a passion for the fresh, natural, and organic products offered throughout the store.

A virtual management hiring event will take place on Wednesday, July 12. Interested candidates should visit the Sprouts Career Portal at https://about.sprouts.com/careers/ and reference Store 450 to apply online. If contacted, additional information will be provided.

Two in-person team member hiring events will take place on Wednesday, July 19 and Thursday, July 20 from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Fontana located at 10543 Sierra Ave. in Fontana, CA. Candidates may apply online in advance at www.about.sprouts.com/careers/. Walk-in applicants are also welcomed to attend the event.

Employment opportunities include:

• Department Managers
• Assistant Department Managers and Clerks (Produce, Vitamins and Body Care, Meat and Seafood, Deli, Grocery, Bakery and more)
• Cashiers
• Courtesy Clerks
• Backup Receiver, Administrative Coordinator and Scan Coordinator

Sprouts offers competitive pay, team member discounts, a fun and rewarding culture, and numerous career advancement opportunities. To learn more about open positions and team member benefits, or to apply, visit sprouts.com/careers .

Sprouts welcomes shoppers with a farmer’s market experience and open layout featuring fresh produce at the center of the store. Innovative, seasonal and attribute-driven products such as organic, plant-based, keto, paleo and more offer a treasure hunt shopping experience amid Sprouts’ healthy assortment.

For a list of stores by region or to see other locations coming soon, visit sprouts.com/stores.

By Antonio Ray Harvey| California Black Media

Pro-public service legislation introduced by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor’s (D-Inglewood), Assembly Bill (AB) 1, moved closer to becoming law when it was passed by the Assembly with a 66-3 vote in late last Month.

It is now under consideration in the Senate.

If passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Newsom, the bill will permit California legislative staff to unionize and collectively bargain for wages, benefits and working conditions, regardless of their political affiliation.

“Legislative staff aren’t looking for special treatment. They are looking for the same dignity and respect afforded to all represented workers,” said McKinnor in a statement after her colleagues voted to advance the legislation.

“To the staff in our district offices and Capitol offices – including our dedicated committee staff – that honorably serve the people of the State of California every day, know this: We see you and we respect you,” McKinnor continued. “With AB 1, we are taking action to make sure that current and future legislative staff, regardless of their member’s political affiliation, are afforded a safe, equitable and fair opportunity to build a noble career in public service.”

McKinnor, a former legislative employee herself, said at the Women in California Legislature” speakers series on March 8 that she was an original signer of the “We Said Enough” letter in 2017. The correspondence led to the “Me Too” movement to address workplace sexual harassment, retaliation, and intimidation within the California Legislature.

Mary Virginia Watson, chief of staff for Assemblymember Liz Ortega (D-Hayward), supports AB 1. Watson has been a campaign director, campaign, director, and political organizer.

“Congrats to #CALeg staff! I was proud to speak in favor of #AB1 in (the) policy committee, and as a chief of staff, I 100% support Leg staff’s right to unionize. A union would improve recruitment and retention and help the legislature better serve Californians!,” Watson tweeted.

If AB 1 is approved, it will take effect on July 1, 2024.

Another bill, dubbed the “Ebony Alert” bill, would help locate missing Black youth and Black women in California also made it out of the Senate last week with a 39-0 vote.

Senate Bill (SB) 673, authored by Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood), establishes a notification system to address the issue of missing Black children and young Black women in California who do not receive enough attention.

“The Ebony Alert would ensure that resources and attention are given so we can bring home missing Black women and Black children in the same way we would search for any missing child and missing person,” Bradford, Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), stated in March.

The Black and Missing Foundation Inc. (BAMFI), reports that 38% of missing children in the U.S. are Black, despite Black people making up 14% of the population. Black children are disproportionately classified as “runaways” in comparison to their white counterparts who are classified as “missing.” Therefore, when Black children are reported missing, law enforcement does not always treat those cases with urgency or issue Amber Alerts.

The AMBER moniker – which stands for America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response – was created as a legacy to nine-year-old Amber Hagerman, who was kidnapped and murdered while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas.

“When someone who is missing is incorrectly listed as a runaway, they basically vanish a second time. They vanish from the police detectives’ workload. They vanish from the headlines. In many ways, no one even knows they are missing. How can we find someone and bring them home safely when no one is really looking for them,” Bradford said.

Bradford’s Ebony Alert bill is inspired by a similar bill, the Feather Alert, introduced by Assemblymember James Ramos (D-San Bernardino), the only Native American serving in the California Assembly. The Feather Alert law, which took effect in January, assists law enforcement to quickly notify the public when Native American Californians are reported missing.

Black women and girls face a higher risk of being harmed and trafficked. According to a report by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation on human trafficking incidents in the U.S., 40% of sex trafficking victims were identified as Black women.

By McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media

Kenny Vance has a talent for creating vivid musical imagery.

If you ask the 79-year-old about his musical upbringing in 1950s Brooklyn, New York, Vance will describe wandering through the borough as a young man and listening to other young people sing harmonious tunes with no instruments from the neighborhood’s stoops. He will mention how groups would string together melodic lines in competitions with each other.

Vance notes how these melodic groups in the ‘50s and ‘60s, composed of African Americans, sang their way from their neighborhood stoops and other local spots in cities such as Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles to small recording studios. These vocalists, whose Rhythm-and-Blues singing style is known as doo-wop, would release a song or two and sometimes never be heard from again.

With his documentary “Heart & Soul: A Love Story,” Vance, a musician, actor, and film director, puts the musical talents of “unsung doo-whop heroes” like Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, the Dubs, Little Anthony and the Imperials, and the Chantels in the limelight again. The film will be screened at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angles on June 8 at 7 p.m. The two-hour showing in the museum’s 200-seat theater is part of its celebration of Black Music Appreciation Month this June.

The screening of Heart & Soul: A Love Story,” is just one-way individuals, businesses and organizations are commemorating Black Music Month throughout the state.

In Alameda County, The Black Music Month Festival will take place on June 17 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Love Center Ministries in Oakland.

Performers such as The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol & Her Trio, Bobi Cespedes, Stephanie Crawford, Netta Brielle, and the Glen Pearson Trio featuring Derick Hughes, Bernard Anderson, and Rico Pabon will take the stage.

Throughout June, Disneyland is also honoring the history of Black music by featuring three bands performing hits by Black artists from various decades on the Hollywood Backlot stage at the park.

Black Music Appreciation Month celebrates African American musical influences that make up an essential portion of America’s cultural heritage. Established by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, it recognizes the history and rich musical traditions that gave rise to genres such as barbershop, blues, funk, gospel, hip-hop, jazz, and swing music.

Every president since Carter has continued the tradition, including President Joe Biden. Biden proclaimed June as Black Music Month in a May 31 statement.

“Today, the creative ways that Black music tells stories of trial and triumph in American life continue to move us all to understand the common struggles of humanity,” Biden’s proclamation reads. “This month, we celebrate the songs and artists that challenge us to think critically, stand up to injustice, and believe in ourselves. We recommit to expanding the promise of dignity and opportunity for all Americans. And we revel in the sounds, spirit, and soul of some of the very best music ever created.”

Back in Los Angeles, GRAMMY Museum Chief Curator & VP of Curatorial Affairs Jasen Emmons said “Heart & Soul” shows the musical innovation in the Black community.

“If you didn’t have access to instruments — this ability to get together and create vocal harmonies as a group — it doesn’t require access to certain things,” he stated. “You can do it anywhere — stoops, subways, street corners. I think of hip-hop having similar innovation — despite the resources — to create something original and enduring.”

The film is a collection of video recordings shot by Vance over a decade with artists he befriended and worked with. The oral histories’ documentary features first-hand accounts of what it was like for young Black and Latino musicians to go into an entertainment industry that was unsure of how to manage the new artists’ sound.

Vance, prone to breaking out in melody himself while discussing the musicians featured in “Heart & Soul,” said the doo-wop performers — whose 50s’ and 60s’ heyday influenced later genres like rock ‘n’ roll and soul — oftentimes get no credit for their impact on American music culture.

Brand architect and television personality Erika Pittman will emcee the Los Angeles screening. Hip-hop icon Christopher “Kid” Reid, one half of the duo Kid ‘n Play, will deliver an opening monologue. Entertainment journalist Brande Victorian will lead an after-screening conversation with Vance.

Emmons hopes viewers gain a deep understanding of doo-wop music.

“There is an audience that deeply loves doo-wop and when the songs come on the radio, they evoke a lot of emotion in people,” he noted.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The City of San Bernardino has awarded $730,000 to 30 local small businesses and nonprofits as part of a grant program it launched last fall. Within the next few months, the City anticipates awarding an additional $2.27 million to approximately 120 additional organizations.

“We are so grateful to San Bernardino for this grant,” said Viva La Boba co-owner Tansu Philip, who received $25,000. “We are going to use these funds to take care of our staff and expand our business.”

The Mayor and City Council allocated $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to create the Small Business and Non-Profit Training and Grant Program in partnership with the Small Business Development Center. Qualifying small businesses and non-profits located in the City of San Bernardino, receive funding between $10,000 and $35,000 each.

Funds were awarded on a first come, first served basis to eligible San Bernardino based organizations that completed an online application, participated in an SBDC training program focusing on growing or sustaining their business, and took part in a one-on-one consultation session with an SBDC consultant.

Grant recipients were grateful for the business training in addition to receiving the funds.

“The four-week marketing class we took was very handy,” said Gear Doctor owner Alfredo Castro, who received $25,000. “Now we are on social media, and it is working out for us.”

Within the next seven weeks, City staff expect to award the remaining funds when the remaining program participants complete their training.

“The Mayor and City Council recognize the vital role our local small businesses and non-profits play in San Bernardino. They are our local employers, our service providers, our shops, and our restaurants,” said San Bernardino Economic Development Manager Amanda Hernandez.

Grant funds may be used for working capital to cover the day-to-day business operating expenses such as rent/lease payments, mortgage payments, payroll and benefit costs, utility expenses, inventory, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) or other similar expenses that occur in the normal course of operations.

Dr. Zachary Ginder, Executive Director of the Inland Empire Autism Assessment Center, which received $35,000, said, “This will go to help support changing the lives of so many families. Thank you, San Bernardino.”

By Tanu Henry, Edward Henderson and Lila Brown | California Black Media

Last Friday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed her first budget since taking office in January. During the ceremony, she pledged to make L.A. safer and more equitable for all Angelenos. Bass was joined by City Council President Paul Krekorian, Council President Pro Tempore Curren Price and Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, Chair of the Budget, Finance and Innovation Committee.

According to Bass, the budget will allow the city to expand its existing strategies to fight homelessness while advancing new ones to improve the city’s infrastructure, address climate change, and enhance city services.

“I am so proud that the City Council has affirmed these priorities and is joining me in building a new Los Angeles with the urgency that Angelenos deserve,” Bass said.

The budget includes $1.3 billion investment to confront the homelessness crisis, including $250 million for Inside Safe – the new citywide program to bring Angelenos inside and shut down street encampments.

The budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 takes effect July 1, 2023.

ONTARIO, CA— Healthy Heritage, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating mental health disparities within the African American community, recently concluded their second annual “Laughing for the Health of It” Comedy Show and Mental Health Resource Fair. The event took place on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at the Ontario Improv in Ontario, CA, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.

The evening was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to mental health advocacy. Attendees were treated to an unforgettable comedy show featuring the hilarious talents of Fritz Coleman, Richard Weiss, Sean Grant, and the charismatic host, Donna Maine. Their performances had the audience bursting with laughter, providing an uplifting and entertaining experience for all.

Keynote speaker Martinez “Marty” Sellers from the Marsell Wellness Center delivered a powerful and insightful presentation on mental health, further emphasizing the importance of destigmatizing conversations surrounding mental well-being. Sellers’ contribution to the event was invaluable, leaving a lasting impact on attendees.

The event also created a valuable platform for connection and support, giving attendees the opportunity to engage with more than 20 vendors who came out to provide access to health and wellness resources and help end the stigma surrounding mental health.

Phyllis Clark, CEO of Healthy Heritage, expressed her appreciation for the overwhelming response to the event. “We are thrilled with the success of ‘Laughing for the Health of It’ and the support shown by our community. This event allowed us to bring together the community in a fun and engaging way while raising awareness about mental health and promoting resources for support. Our agency is committed to continuing our mission of eliminating mental health disparities and look forward to hosting more impactful events in the future.”

The evening also showcased a vibrant art exhibit by fine artist, Maurice Howard, entitled “Our Healing Garden,” which added a visually stunning element as people entered the venue. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the artwork and appreciate the profound message of healing and resilience it conveyed.

In recognition of Healthy Heritage’s exceptional dedication to mental health awareness, 13 certificates of recognition were presented to the organization by cities and elected officials across Riverside, San Bernardino and LA counties.

Healthy Heritage extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors, including the California Department of Public Health, Marsell Wellness Center, Riverside University Health System of Behavioral Health, California Reducing Disparities Project, African American Family Wellness Advisory Group (AAFWAG), and the Broken Crayons Still Color Project.

For more information about Healthy Heritage, its programs, and future events, please visit them on the web at https://linktr.ee/healthyheritage or contact (951) 293-4240.

(ABC NEWS) —- Legendary singer Tina Turner, known for her sultry voice and a string of platinum hits, has died at age 83.

The news was confirmed on Turner’s official Facebook page.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner,” the statement said on Facebook. “With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow. Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly.”

Turner became one of her era’s most enduring female artists, with smash hits like “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” and memorable movie appearances.

Rolling Stone once named her “one of the greatest singers of all time.”

Born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Tennessee, Turner began performing at a young age. As a teenager, she immersed herself in the local rhythm and blues scene.

In 1956, she met Ike Turner from the band, Kings of Rhythm, and became part of their act under the stage name, Tina Turner.

Together, they recorded hits in the 1960s including, “A Fool in Love,” “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine,” “I Idolize You” and “River Deep — Mountain High” as part of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue.

Turner and Ike Turner married in Mexico in 1962, two years after the birth of their son, Ronnie.

Turner also released two solo albums while she was a member of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue: “Tina Turns the Country On!” in 1974 and “Acid Queen” in 1975.

Turner divorced Ike Turner in 1978, alleging years of physical abuse and infidelity.

In 2018, Turner opened up about the abuse she endured in an interview with The Sunday Times.

“There was violence, because he had this fear that I was going to leave him,” she said. “The other women, because I didn’t love him that way … the other women weren’t so bad, but it was the constant, constant ill treatment.”

In April, she told The Guardian that she wanted to be remembered as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” and “as a woman who showed other women that it is OK to strive for success on their own terms.”

Turner had four sons. She was preceded in death by her two biological children: Craig Raymond Turner — whom she shared with Raymond Hill — and Ronnie Turner — whom she shared with Ike Turner.

She is survived by her sons Ike Turner Jr. and Michael Turner, who she adopted from her ex-husband Ike Turner.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— SummerFest returns to San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC)!  SBVC is proud to continue this one-of-a-kind partnership with the San Bernardino Symphony celebrating Independence Day.

Join the college for family-friendly fun, festivities and a concert on Thursday, July 1 at the SBVC Football Field from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The concert, titled “America, the Beautiful,” starts at 7:30 p.m. and is expected to draw thousands of attendees. The show ends with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” and an exciting firework display.

Food vendors, face painters, games, and more are expected at this year’s SummerFest. You don’t want to miss out!

Click to purchase your concert tickets and read more about Summer Fest here!