What it do with Lue

Do You Know Your Voter Status? California Secretary of State Shirley Weber Releases Latest Voter Registration Report

On November 6, California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber released her department’s latest voter Report of Registration in anticipation of the March 2024 primary elections.

The report, which covers a 154-day period ending Oct. 3, 2024, provides a running count of California voter registrations with data gathered from elections offices in the state’s 58 counties.

About 22.1 million people or 82.91% of eligible voters in the state have registered to vote.

Among registered voters, Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly 50% with 46.82% or 10.3 million voters. Republicans account for 23.9% (5.2 million voters) followed by voters with no party preference at 22.2% (4.9 million voters).

Californians who are registered to vote can also check or change their pollical party and vote-by-mail preferences on the Secretary of State’s website.

The Report of Registration includes:

  • Voter registration by political party, county, city, congressional district, state senate district, state assembly district, state board of equalization district, county supervisorial district, and political subdivision
  • Statewide voter registration by age group and by county
  • Historical comparisons to previous reports in odd-numbered year
  • Voter registration by political bodies attempting to qualify as political parties (by county)

Californians who are not yet registered to vote can do so or update their voter registration online as well.

 

Letter to the Editor: Justice for Jordyn Hicks- A Call for Accountability

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – November 2023 – In an impassioned plea for justice, the loved ones of Jordyn Hicks gathered at the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office on Thursday, November 02, 2023, to implore the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office to pursue charges in the tragic death of the 14-year-old. Jordyn Hicks lost his life on June 25, 2023, when Ashkat Chetan Shah, allegedly speeding and running a red light, struck him with his vehicle as Jordyn attempted to cross the intersection of Willow and Riverside Avenue.
Jordyn Hicks was a vibrant and ambitious young individual, cherished by his family, peers, and community. As a student at Norton Science and Language Academy, who loved video games, sports, and music, leaving an indelible mark on those around him with his infectious joy and laughter. “Jordyn meant the world to me. He was my angel, my heart. He possessed immense potential and had so much to live for. A beautiful, intelligent, and compassionate boy, he had countless contributions to offer the world. He adored his family, friends, school, and hobbies. He had dreams and aspirations he yearned to fulfill.
The driver who callously left my son lying on the road, bleeding and dying, without even stopping to acknowledge his actions, displayed no remorse, no guilt, no humanity. I demand justice for my son. I demand that the driver face the consequences of his actions. Jordyn deserves justice,” said Mercedes Murray, Jordyn’s grieving mother. “Today, we stand united in our pursuit of justice for our client, whose life was unjustly snatched away due to the defendant’s reckless and negligent behavior. Our client was a bright, innocent, and loving child, brimming with potential for a promising future. We will not rest until justice is served for Jordyn,” declared Attorney Allison R. Bracy.
The press conference featured heartfelt speeches from Jordyn’s family, school representatives, and community members, alongside advocates from local civil rights organizations.

Black Health Matters Names New Editorial Director

Corynne L. Corbett to guide all editorial aspects of the health communications company

NEW YORK, NY– Black Health Matters (BHM) announced Corynne L. Corbett has been named editorial director for the nation’s leading provider of digital health and wellness solutions for African American consumers and patients. BHM’s various online and experiential events are dedicated to educating and empowering African Americans with information rooted in medical expertise and providing the tools necessary to optimize their health.

Ms. Corbett comes to BHM with more than twenty-five years of experience in communications, including roles as executive editor, strategist, editor-in-chief, and senior manager across various platforms and publications. Her past positions include Beauty Director of ESSENCE Communications, Executive Editor of Real Simple Magazine, Editor in Chief of Heart & Soul Magazine, and senior editorial and leadership positions with Mode and ELLE magazines.

“BHM is delighted to find the intellect that will connect us to the health and wellness interests of women of color. Corynne’s professional background illustrates her ability to influence and enlighten women of color at every life stage,” said Roslyn Young Daniels, founder and president of Black Health Matters. “We are excited to see how she’ll utilize her decades of editorial experience to engage with our audience to help improve health outcomes.”

Ms. Corbett will be responsible for guiding Black Health Matters’ editorial vision as the company moves into its second decade of raising awareness about chronic conditions and disease states that disproportionately affect African Americans. In her new role at BHM, she will lead in developing the editorial voice for all aspects of the company’s online and offline presence, managing and creating content, editorial planning, writing, and conducting interviews about medical topics and advances.

“I am excited about joining Black Health Matters because our work not only enlightens and empowers our audience but can also save their lives,” Ms. Corbett said.

Corynne L. Corbett holds a Master of Professional Studies in Technology Entrepreneurship from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Merchandising and Management from Pratt Institute.

 

California Launches Basic Income Program for Former Foster Children

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

Former foster youth living in the city and county of San Francisco are eligible to apply for a Guaranteed Income Pilot Program that will pay them $1200 a month for 18 months.

“Guaranteed income programs help level the playing field and will give these former foster youth the support and resources they need to pursue their California dream,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom in a statement when he announced the program November 3.

To support the program, the state awarded San Francisco $3,439,090. Another Guaranteed Income Pilot program will be launched in Ventura County with a $1,538,758 state investment.

“These pilots, through the Department of Social Services, will provide unconditional, individual, regular cash payments intended to disrupt poverty, advance equity, and support the basic needs of recipients,” said a press release from Newsom’s office.

San Franciscans who participate in the program will receive counseling and the state will measure the impact of the program on their lives and their eligibility for other public benefits.

“Transitioning out of the foster care system can be incredibly challenging for many of our youth, and this sustained unconditional income over 18 months will help systems-involved youth pursue their hopes and dreams. In doing so, our goal is to disrupt the cycle of poverty and advance a more equitable future for former foster youth,” said San Francisco Human Services Agency Deputy Director of Policy, Planning, and Public Affairs Susie Smith.

“This is an amazing opportunity to break the cycle of poverty experienced by many young adults transitioning out of foster care,” Smith added.

California State University Faculty Vote to Authorize Strike

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

The California Faculty Association (CFA), the union representing faculty at California State University (CSU) schools has voted to authorize a strike if it cannot reach a deal with the 23-campus system’s administration.

CFA represents approximately 29,000 professors, lecturers, coaches, and other faculty across the state.

“Cal State voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, if necessary,” said Charles Toombs, a professor and former chairperson of Africana Studies at San Diego State University (SDSU) and the union’s president, during a virtual press conference Oct 30. “Members are emphatic that low pay, growing workloads, and systematic inequalities are not sustainable.

The union pushed for 12% across-the-board increases this fiscal year, but CSU offered 12% over the next three years. When CFA refused to consider a multi-year offer, the CSU offered a one-year GSI of 5%. CFA then declared an impasse within 40 minutes of receiving this offer.

“We are still moving through the statutory process. CFA members plan on bringing our demands and solidarity to trustees and new Chancellor Mildred García at the November 7 CSU Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach,” read a press release from CFA.

“CSU management says they can’t afford our re-opener proposals, but a CFA fiscal analysis shows otherwise. The CSU has been hoarding billions of dollars in reserves instead of investing in faculty and staff who work directly with our students. Their investment in administrative personnel is increasing while their investment in instructional support continues to shrink,” it continued.

In the fall of 2022, 18,308 Black or African American students (4.0%) were enrolled in the CSU system. Overall, the CSU system. The CSU system is comprised of 23 universities with nearly 500,000 students.

 

 

A Festival of Lights: Celebrating Diwali in California

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Diwali is one of the major Asian Indian religious festivals observed in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

Known as “The Festival of Lights’ it is celebrated globally across diverse religions and cultures. This year, Diwali will fall on November 12, and for most who observe it, celebrations will last five days. The date of the celebration changes every year because it is based on the Hindu lunar calendar.

The celebration of the holiday varies depending on regional customs and traditions. Among Hindus, the most widespread custom is the lighting of ‘diyas’, small lamps filled with oil, on the night of the new moon to invite the presence of Lakshimi, the goddess of wealth. In Northern India, the festival also celebrates the royal homecoming of Rama to the city of Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the 10-headed king of the demons.

California native Happy Uppal spoke with California Black Media (CBM) and shared how her family celebrated Diwali when they lived in India and how it has changed for them since coming to the US.

“Speaking to my family about the holiday, Diwali meant we were going to have a lot of food, go to festival shows, and do fireworks. We used to light candles around our entire house. It was something my family looked forward to every year in India because they celebrated a lot. The holiday meant that they got to be with family and celebrate our culture at the same time. It was a time of new beginnings and cleansing of the past,” said Uppal.

With around 902,621 people who identify as Asian Indian, California has the largest population of Sikhs, Hindus and Jains in the United States.

Traditionally, the first day of Diwali, known as Dhanteras, is dedicated to cleaning homes and purchasing small items of gold. Lakshimi is the focus of worship on this day. The second day, called Naraka Chatrudashi or Choti Diwali, prayers are offered for the souls of ancestors. On the third day, Lakshimi Puja, families seek blessings from Lakshimi to ensure their prosperity, light candles, fireworks, and visit temples. On the fourth day, known as Goverdhan Puja, merchants perform religious ceremonies and open new account books. The final day called Bhai Dooj, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.

To the Jains, the holiday has a different meaning. For them, Diwali is the day when the last of the Jain Tirthankaras, Lord Mahavira, attained nirvana, a spiritual state characterized by the transcendence of mortal limitations and obstacles, and the attainment of infinite knowledge and enlightenment. Lord Mahavira established the dharma followed by the Jains worldwide.

For the Sikhs, Diwali is a story of the struggle for freedom. It celebrates the victory of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, from the designs of Emperor Jahangir, who had imprisoned him and 52 other princes with him, in 1619. Guru Hargobind refused to leave the prison for freedom until he was able to bring all of the princes with him.

“The celebration is minimal in the United States unless you go to a temple,” said Uppal. “Not as many families celebrate as much as homes in India. Celebrations usually still include some sort of special sweet dish and lighting of a few candles.”

Along with the sweets, Samosas are very popular dishes to enjoy during Diwali celebrations. Aloo Bonda, a potato stuffing inside of a crispy coating of gram flour is another favorite amongst observers.

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) in Southern California hosts one the most elaborate Diwali celebrations. This spiritual, volunteer-driven organization is dedicated to improving society through individual growth by promoting Hindu values of faith, unity and selfless service. The center sits on 20 acres and includes 164,000 square feet of building space. On Diwali, the building is illuminated with multi-colored light shows, fireworks, lamps music and festive energy. Their Diwali celebration will take place on Nov. 10-13. The “Diwali Light and Sound Spectacular” takes place on the Nov. 11, 12, and 13, from 6-8 p.m. — with shows every thirty minutes.

During a time in the world where the darkness seems to be more prevalent daily, taking the time to acknowledge the beauty and hope light brings is what Diwali is all about,” Uppal said.

Here are additional Diwali celebrations to look out for if you are interested in experiencing the festival of renewal and light.

Diwali at the Pomeroy Center

Saturday, Nov. 18 from 3-7pm

207 Skyline Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94132

The event includes arts and crafts for children under 12, professional Indian Dance Performances and a buffet dinner with ticket purchase.

Diwali Fest 2023 – Festival of Lights

Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Art of Living Dome

948 West Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, United States

This event will have all the aspects of celebration which include lighting Lamps (diyas/tealight candles provided), an opportunity to make a

personal Sankalpa (deep wish) and offering. Lighting lamps and Dance performances, meditation and Indian cuisine.

All are welcome and anyone who comes for the event can witness a traditional Hindu ritual called the puja.

This California Black Media report was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

Record Financial Assistance Helps ‘Bridge the Gap’ as Covered California Launches 2024 Open Enrollment Campaign

LOS ANGELES, CA — Covered California kicked off its 2024 open-enrollment period at the iconic Los Angeles State Historic Park and Roundhouse Bridge, a public space that serves some of the most vulnerable communities in the state, with roots that connect back to the early history of the city and region.

California Black Women’s Health Project Chief Executive Officer Sonya Young Aadam was among those who joined Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman to launch open enrollment and highlight how record financial assistance are bridging the gap between uninsured Californians and access to affordable, name brand health insurance coverage.

The event marked the start of the 11th year of Covered California offering affordable, name brand health care coverage and financial assistance to Californians under the Affordable Care Act. Open enrollment, which began Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 31, 2024, is the time of year when Californians can sign up for health insurance or make changes to their existing plans.

“There has never been more financial assistance available to help Californians pay for health care coverage than there will be in 2024,” said Jessica Altman. “We want every uninsured Californian to know that affordable and quality health care coverage is available and within closer reach than ever before.

Bridging the Gap

The theme for this year’s campaign, “Bridging the Gap,” emphasizes the role Covered California plays in connecting uninsured Californians with affordable, high-quality health insurance. Covered California is also currently serving as a bridge for those who are no longer eligible for Medi-Cal.

With the end of the federal continuous coverage requirement in March, Medi-Cal began its year-long renewal and redetermination process for more than 15 million members in April. To help those deemed no longer eligible Medi-Cal coverage, Covered California launched its auto-enrollment program to eliminate gaps in health care coverage and help ensure a seamless transition from Medi-Cal to a health insurance plan offered by Covered California.

Bridging the Gap in Health Disparities 

This year’s theme also reflects Covered California’s commitment to bridging the gap in health disparities. Enrolling consumers in health insurance is critically important, and advancing health equity to ensure that California’s diverse populations have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive is also paramount. Covered California’s new Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Monica Soni, brings passion and enthusiasm to her role of advancing health equity.

“Our guiding mission is to ensure that once you open the door to having insurance, you also cross the threshold into receiving accessible care,” Dr. Soni said. “Coverage is critical, but coverage doesn’t equate to access. We want everyone with coverage to have a meaningful relationship with a primary care provider and receive lifesaving and life-sustaining, free preventive care. The road to wellness for you and your family begins there.”

Community Outreach

During this year’s open-enrollment, Covered California is partnering with organizations throughout the state to bring health resources to the community. In Los Angeles, this Saturday, Nov. 11, Covered California will participate in the African American Men’s Wellness Walk at Rancho Cienega Recreation Center, where in addition to health screenings, two informational sessions with Dr. Soni will be presented at 9 and 10:15 am. The sessions will discuss healthcare, open enrollment and Medi-Cal, and be moderated by KJLH Radio on-air personality Adai Lamar.

Signing Up for Coverage Is Easy

Consumers can learn more about their options by visiting CoveredCA.com, where they can easily find out if they qualify for financial help and see the coverage options in their area.

All they need to do is enter their household income, ZIP code, household size and the number of people who need coverage and their ages into the calculator on Covered California’s homepage.

In addition to visiting CoveredCA.com, those interested in learning more about their coverage options can also:

  • Get free and confidential assistance over the phone, in a variety of languages, from a certified enroller.
  • Have a certified enroller call them and help them for free.
  • Call Covered California at (800) 300-1506.

 About Covered California

Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California’s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the Legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.

“Looks Like Another Love TKO!”

By Lou K Coleman

God wanted his people to enjoy the bounty of the Promised Land. But He didn’t make them accept it. Even though choosing His way is the best way. The choice was theirs. [Deuteronomy 30:15-16]. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish hearts was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. Wherefore God gave them up. [Proverbs 29:1; Romans 1:21-24; Ezekiel 18:23, 30-32; 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9]. Looks Like Another Love TKO!

I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. You ignored My advice and rejected the correction I offered. So, I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you— when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone, and anguish and distress overwhelm you. When you cry for help, I will not answer. Though you will anxiously search for Me, you will not find me. For you hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. You rejected my advice. Therefore, you must eat the bitter fruit of living your own way. Looks Like Another Love TKO!

If you are reading this, I beg you don’t be another Esau. Esau wept bitterly that he could not repent [Hebrews 12:17]. The Hell he was entering into he found to be miserable, and he wanted out. The rich man, begged Father Abraham to send Lazarus to his brother’s house so that they would not come to the miserable, place he was in. What is it going to take? What wakeup call do you need? As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?” [Ezekiel 33:11]. Because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, ““As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I will cut you off completely. I will not look on you with pity or spare you.” The restraints are off. [Ezekiel 5:11; Matthew 15:14; Romans 2:5].

I think I Better Let It Go… Looks Like Another Love TKO!

Angela Davis Shares Insights on Domestic Violence in Black Communities During Sacramento Panel

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Philosopher, civil rights activist, college professor, author, and former political prisoner Angela Davis put a lens on the deep-rooted damage domestic violence sows in the Black community, pulling from research she conducted for her 1999 book, “Blues Legacies and Black Feminism.”

The book examines the careers of influential Black women blues singers Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, Bessie Smith, Ida Cox, Rosa Henderson, and Billie Holiday in historical, social, and political contexts.

“I noticed that many of them sang about violence,” Davis said. “They sang about what was happening in their relationships.”

On Ocober. 30, Davis shared her perspective on domestic violence as part of a conversation that addressed the disproportionate impacts Domestic Violence has on Black women and families. The event, hosted by Blue Shield of California Foundation (BSCF) and the California Black Freedom Fund (CBFF), was held in Sacramento.

CBFF is a five-year, $100 million initiative focused on Black power-building and ensuring movement-based organizations have the sustained investments they need to challenge systemic and institutional racism.

Davis joined representatives of other organizations to discuss policies needed to end intimate partner violence. The gathering, mostly journalists, was a recording session at the offices of the news publication CalMatters and part of BSCF’s podcast series for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Participants included Karen Earl, CEO of the Jenesse Center; Trina Greene, founder and Executive Director of Parenting for Liberation; Kelli Dillon, from the City of Oakland Department of Violence Prevention; and Eric Morrison-Smith, Executive Director of the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color.

Debbie Chang, President and CEO of BSCF, and BFF Executive Director Marc Philpart facilitated the activities, while journalist Bonnie Boswell moderated the roundtable discussions among Earl, Green, Dillon, and Morrison-Smith.

“We really needed to have this session focus on the disproportionate impact of domestic violence especially on California’s Black community,” Chang told California Black Media. “We’re shining a light on it and bringing attention to it. We can’t be silent about it. What we want are solutions.”

Davis, who will turn 80 on Jan. 26, is best known as a champion became of prison reform, women’s rights, racial equality, and the inequality of capitalism. An advocate for the LGBTQ community, Davis was once an active member of the Communist Party USA and the Black Panther Party for Self Defense.

Today, she is the Distinguished Professor Emerita of the History of Consciousness at the University of California at Santa Cruz. She first became aware of domestic violence as a “political issue” in the 1970s, she said. Davis stated that intimate violence not only affects women but men, children, and families.

“We’re talking about a form of violence that has been in most human societies for hundreds of years. We also learned how to hide it, and then, somehow, it’s represented as just the problem of the survivor,” Davis said. “It’s always been considered a women’s issue.”

Davis pointed out that she wanted everyone to understand that domestic violence didn’t emerge during the feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

“We periodized that movement as happening in the ’60s when women, largely White, began (speaking out against violence against women),” Davis said. “I wanted us to have a sense of how long it often takes for these ideas to make a difference.”

With support from BSCF, Social Action Partners (SoACT) developed a mixed-methods study of perceptions and attitudes surrounding domestic violence in California’s Black/African American community.

The report, 2017 Black Leaders Survey on Domestic Violence, provides the BSCF domestic violence advocates and community

stakeholders’ insights on how Black communities in California perceive the challenges they face in combating domestic violence.

According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual

Violence Survey, 34%, or one in three California women report experiencing domestic violence at some point in their lifetimes. The BSCF report states that 42.5% of Black women report experiencing intimate partner violence, compared to 39.3% of White women and 30.2% of Hispanic women.

On March 8, the Los Angeles City Council received an Equity Analysis on the Violence and Crime that Black women and girls experience from the Civil, Human Rights, and Equity Department (LA Civil Rights).

Overall, violent crime rates have decreased in Los Angeles over a 10-year period but the number of Black women experiencing violence has increased. Black women comprise approximately 4.3% of Los Angeles’ population but they often make up approximately 25% to 33% of victims of violence, the report stated.

The San Francisco Family Violence Council’s 2020 report also revealed racial disparities among domestic violence survivors. It states that 28% of dependent adult abuse victims were Black; and more than half of domestic violence victims were Black or Latino.

For Philpart, the drive to prevent domestic violence is personal. His grandmother was killed by her husband in 1965 after she divorced him and remarried.

“It’s important for us to have this conversation about the Black community because we often don’t talk about domestic violence,” Philpart said. “As the panelist said, we keep DV as something that is unspoken of or is part of our family history that’s never unearthed.

Philpart’s family tragedy highlights another statistic. According to the Center for Relationship Abuse Awareness, 75% of homicides related to domestic violence occur after intimate partners’ separation.

“We are gathered here today discussing an issue that first became a part of discourse over 50 years ago. As a matter of fact, this is the most widespread, pandemic form of violence in the world,” Davis said.

Obituary: Pasadena Businessman and News Publisher Joe C. Hopkins Remembered for His Courage and Leadership

By Solomon O. Smith | California Black Media

Last week, the Pasadena community lost a towering symbol of leadership and courage, Joe C. Hopkins. A lawyer, activist, publisher, husband and father, Hopkins passed away on Oct. 31 after decades of dedicated service to the community.

Hopkins was a prominent presence in “Dena,” the local nickname for the Pasadena/Altadena area. A resident for over 40 years, Hopkins, and his wife Ruthie, are deeply embedded in their local community, establishing meaningful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. Their influence extended beyond Pasadena, inspiring and shaping California’s Black political and social circles in numerous ways.

Hopkins was born in Altus, Oklahoma. He relocated to California in 1967, settling in Altadena in 1969. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Glendale University College of Law and in 1982 he began his legal practice which he later moved to Pasadena in 1986.

Hopkins was a man of conviction who fearlessly defended what he believed in. It was his strength of character and clarity of perspective that made him an effective leader.

Hopkins once held the position of president of the West Coast Black Publishers Association and was the president emeritus of the San Gabriel Valley Black Business Association. He founded the Pasadena/Altadena Black Lawyers Association and headed the Pasadena Black Expo from 1990-1992. He started the Pasadena/Altadena Journal, the first and only Black publication in “the Valley,” a region located north of Los Angeles that spans several other San Fernando Valley cities, including Burbank, Studio City, Glendale and Sherman Oaks.

Hopkins’ accomplishments have been acknowledged numerous times: He received the Appreciation for Outstanding Contributions in Business from the Altadena NAACP Branch in 1990, the Citizen of the Year Award from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in 1992 and served as the Community Grand Marshall of the Pasadena Black History Parade in 2000. In 2006, he was awarded a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Adam B. Schiff (D-CA-30). Additionally, he has been honored with numerous special recognitions from various city, state and national organizations.

In 2018, Hopkins and his wife were honored as civil rights pioneers and “Unsung Heroes” by the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC). The award was presented by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena).

In a statement following Hopkins’ passing, Holden said, “My life and the lives of many other people are forever changed by the impact of Joe Hopkins and his wife Ruthie. I will miss Joe’s fearless leadership and unrelenting dedication to community.”

Hopkins’ personal achievements were substantial, and their enduring impact makes his loss deeply felt by the greater Pasadena community.

Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank) recalls being inspired by Hopkins’ writing in his book, “I will not Apologize,” a collection of his opinion pieces many consider to be the core of his beliefs.

After reading his book Portantino had to meet the man behind the “no nonsense” words. Hopkins was not easily impressed and quizzed Portantino about whether he read his book. They bonded over that conversation and their mutual desire to create a bridge between higher education in California and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Together, they encouraged leaders and educators from UCLA to establish the Summer Institute for Emerging Managers and Leaders in 2012. The program’s purpose is to “increase the diversity of graduate students enrolled in the UC business schools.

The program continues to diversify leadership in California graduate schools.

“We connected on a friendship level and continued to talk policy and as the world changed, we kept talking to each other,” said Portantino. “The community has lost a special person, a great dad and a tremendous leader.”

Condolences have been extended to the family from the mayor of Pasadena, Victor Gordo, and other community leaders offering comfort during their time of bereavement.

Hopkins’ son, Yusef Olaitan-Hopkins, remembers his father as more than a political leader, entrepreneur or civil rights leader. He cherishes intimate memories of his father as a caring parent, selflessly dedicated to his family and community. According to Olaitan-Hopkins, the family is overwhelmed by the community’s expression of sympathy.

Hopkins, according to his son, was always ready to defend others with his knowledge of the law, leadership or his presence.

“One of the things my dad used to say was ‘find a good fight and get into it’,” said Yusef. “He was going to do this on his own terms.”

Hopkins’ legacy extends beyond the publications, books, and organizations he started and led. It endures through the loving family he leaves behind, including his granddaughter Ife Olaitan, a social worker, therapist and the mother of his only great-grandchild. For Olaitan it was a privilege to grow up knowing her grandfather and having him get to know his great-granddaughter. She recalls how her grandparents inspired her to follow her own path and do “what’s right,” something she is passing down to her child.

“He was always on the side of fighting for what was right and what was just,” said Olaitan. “He was a man with a stance, and he loved a good fight.”

Hopkins is survived by his wife Ruthie, three sons: Yusef, Omar, and Jamal, as well as seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Messages of condolence to the Hopkins family can be sent to pasadenajournalweb@gmail.com.