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Reparations: San Diego Tax Code Discussion Was Preamble to Task Force Meeting in Sac This Week

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Two tax planning lawyers shared their perspectives on one of the ways to pay for the racial injustices suffered by Black Californians with the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans.

At the task force’s last two-day meeting held in San Diego on Jan. 27 and Jan. 28, the estate and tax planning attorneys Raymond “Ray” Odom and Sarah Moore-Johnson proposed several options to the nine-member task force for funding reparations through the federal tax code system — including an estate tax as a means to increase racial equity.

The tax discussion, held about a month ago, was as a lead-in to the task force’s next meeting in Sacramento focused on compensation and titled “Redressing the Harms Delineated in Report 1.” That meeting will be held Friday, March 3 and Saturday March 4 at the Byron Sher Auditorium at the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) Headquarters, beginning at 9 a.m. both days.

Moore-Johnson kicked off her presentation at the San Diego meeting during a panel titled “The Forgotten 40 Acres: Repairing Wealth Disparity Using the Estate Tax and New Charitable Incentives.” She said, “the tax code has incentivized White wealth building for years,” and that she and Odom have now found a way to redistribute wealth through tax exemptions at the state level.

“For years, Ray and I intuitively understood that if we could harness those tax incentives to create a public-private partnership to help fund reparations we could get our wealthy clients to willingly enthusiastically embrace using their own money to pay for reparations,” Moore-Johnson said. “We believe that tax deductions should be allowed for private contributions to racial repair because individual taxpayers would be paying a debt of the federal or state government on the government’s behalf,” Moore-Johnson said.

Potential revenue sources, the attorneys say, could be the state estate tax, mansion tax, graduate property tax, and metaverse tax.

Johnson mentioned that the graduate property tax revenue would not apply to California because of Proposition 13, a law that restricts increases in the state tax code.

Odom and Moor-Johnson’s presentation was a condensed introduction to the wealth disparity resulting from chattel slavery and Jim Crow law and the connection to wealth transfer and wealth taxation. Odom, however, emphasized that their idea to use the tax code is intentional but it is not a manipulation of the federal tax system.”I really think that it is so important to set the narrative — and that narrative isn’t around who’s getting something for nothing, but what we are going to do about this gross wealth disparity,” Odom said. “We need to solve this problem for all Americans, but especially for Black Americans.”

Odom – a Chicago estate and tax planning attorney who works at Northern Trust and conducts racial wealth disparity speaking engagements across the country – is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). He is one of five Black tax attorneys among ACTEC’s 2,500 fellows.

Established in Los Angeles in 1949, ACTEC is a nonprofit association of lawyers and law professors skilled and experienced in the preparations of wills and trusts; estate planning; and probate procedure and management of trusts and estates of the deceased, minors and helpless.

Odom and Moore Johnson explained that the racial wealth gap started to expand in 1981 when Ronald Reagan was in office and the biggest tax cut in history took place. Odom said reparations would be an opportunity to replace “swollen wealth” with the “stolen wealth” of Black people.

Dorothy A. Brown

Moore-Johnson, an estate planning lawyer and a founding partner at Birchstone Moore in Washington DC, became president of the Washington, DC, Estate Planning Council three weeks after George Floyd was murdered in 2020. She is also an ACTEC fellow.

In March of 2021, during a national ACTEC meeting, Odom and Johnson came up with the idea of funding reparations for slavery through the estate tax. They started their research to better understand the history of slavery, post-slavery, reparations and the wealth gap. Through their research, the duo learned that the racial wealth gap exists, partly, because of the way the federal tax code is set up.

Task force member Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) stated that the tax attorney’s recommendations provided a “clear road map” to reparations.

“All that said, I think it’s comforting, informative and powerful,” Bradford said after the tax attorneys’ presentation. “As a legislator, the takeaway is, we can afford it. This is a debt that’s owed.”

Dorothy A. Brown addressed the task force by teleconference and shared her views about reparations and the tax code. She is a tax professor at Georgetown Law and the author of the book “The Whiteness of Wealth: How the Tax System Impoverishes Black Americans and How We Can Fix It.”

Brown’s literature goes to the core of how the complex federal tax system disadvantages the Black community and how it has helped White households secure more solid financial standing.

“Our tax laws as written have a racially disparate impact. Black Americans are less likely to gain access to their tax breaks than their White peers receive,” Brown said. “Therefore, (Black Americans) are more likely to pay higher taxes than their White peers.”

Brown told the task force that she supports a “wealth tax credit applicable to all taxpayers and households,” which would serve the majority of Black people and be available to all “regardless of race and ethnicity.”

“I want to be clear that I’m not providing tax advice or guidance for providing a possible analysis of any reparations payments,” Brown said. “I leave it to your tax council (economic experts) to make a final determination that you would rely upon moving forward.”

Hans Dorsinville Appointed Senior Vice President, Global Creative, BALMAIN BEAUTY

BLACK PR WIRE—- BALMAIN announced the appointment of Hans Dorsinville to
Senior Vice President (SVP), Global Creative, BALMAIN BEAUTY, effective January 2023. Hans will be based in New York and report directly to Olivier Rousteing, Creative Director of BALMAIN.

In his position, Hans will work closely with the BALMAIN and BALMAIN BEAUTY teams, including Estée Lauder Companies’ (NYSE: EL) executives Guillaume Jesel, President, Global Brands, TOM FORD BEAUTY, BALMAIN BEAUTY and Luxury Business Development, and Nathalie Berger Duquene, Senior Vice President (SVP), Global General Manager, BALMAIN BEAUTY. As SVP, Global Creative, Hans will be responsible for overseeing the full creative spectrum for BALMAIN BEAUTY including image, concepts, strategy, and alignment of brand voice with the fashion house. He will work with the team to ensure a cohesive experience across all touchpoints of the consumer journey.

Guillaume said, “Hans is an exceptionally talented and innovative creative leader, and I am delighted that he is joining the team to bring Olivier Rousteing’s groundbreaking vision for BALMAIN BEAUTY to life.”

Hans brings more than 25 years of creative experience to BALMAIN BEAUTY, having served in leadership roles across leading fashion, branding and advertising agencies, and while in-house at Donna Karan.

“Most recently, Hans held the role of Chief Creative Officer at Gotham where he led the strategic creative work across several large-scale fashion and beauty brands. Prior to Gotham, Hans was Chief Creative Officer at Select World, following more than ten years at Laird + Partners, where he was a founding partner. As Executive Vice President (EVP), Senior Group Creative Director at Laird + Partners, he led brand concepting, art direction for digital, print packaging design, merchandising and fashion shows for clients across luxury fragrance, high jewelry, and fashion.

Hans’s rise in fashion and beauty creative leadership began when he joined Donna Karan’s in-house creative agency in the early 1990s as Junior Designer. Assuming roles of increasing responsibility, Hans stepped into the position of EVP, developing campaigns for the Collection and the DKNY bridge line. At Donna Karan he worked across all fashion and licensees, including fragrance and skincare. Hans is a graduate of Parsons School of Design in New York and Paris.

Hans is known for championing diversity, inclusion and empowerment across his work and in the fashion and beauty industries. In 2018, Hans founded the Creative Coalition for Diversity in an effort to expand opportunities for a more diverse and inclusive group of creatives of color.

“We are thrilled that Hans will be taking on this creative leadership role, partnering with Olivier on the creative of BALMAIN BEAUTY. Hans’s deep and tenured experience in fashion and beauty and his reputation for producing bold and innovative creative make him ideally suited to take on this role. His unique strengths will reinforce the infinite possibilities of this exciting new luxury beauty brand,” Nathalie said.

In September 2022, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and BALMAIN announced a license agreement to collaboratively develop, produce, and distribute an innovative line of beauty products that will speak to luxury consumers around the world: BALMAIN BEAUTY. The collaboration is expected to launch in fall 2024, with the goal to transform the luxury and couture beauty world through exceptional design, singular craftsmanship, and an unyielding commitment to innovation.

About BALMAIN

For more than ten years, BALMAIN’s Creative Director, Olivier Rousteing, has been inventively building upon Pierre Balmain’s extraordinary legacy, while always remaining true to his own determination to design clothes that reflect the way his inclusive, powerful, and global BALMAIN customer wishes to live today. The result is a unique and instantly recognizable BALMAIN silhouette, style and attitude that highlights the singular craftsmanship of the house’s celebrated ateliers, while consistently referencing a rich Parisian heritage. For more information, please visit balmain.com.”

CalHFA Announces More Mortgage Relief for California Families

By Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

Earlier this month, the California Housing Financing Agency (CalHFA) and the Sacramento branch of NeighborWorks held a press conference at the State Capitol to announce the expansion of California’s mortgage relief program.

“Over the past year, the California Mortgage Relief program has been helping Californians that are most vulnerable to overcome the financial challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Tiena Johnson Hall, Executive Director of the California Housing Finance Agency.

One of the major new changes to eligibility, CalHFA officials say, applies to those who own residences with up to four units. Those homeowners can now apply for assistance. Relief through the program has also extended to those with partial-claim second mortgages or loan deferrals from the beginning of 2020.

Additionally, for homeowners who have missed at least two mortgage payments or one property payment before March 1st of this year, the delinquency date for payments has been reset.

Previous beneficiaries of the program are now eligible for additional funds that could add up to $80,000 in total aid. Officials say the program is meant for those who have had trouble keeping up with housing payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funding for the California Mortgage relief program comes from the Federal Government’s American Rescue Plan Act’s Homeowners Assistance Fund implemented in 2021, which allocated $1 billion for eligible homeowners across the country.

According to Hall, the program has distributed federal grants and funds to over 10,000 California homeowners.

Not only is applying to the program free, she says, homeowners do not have to worry about paying back the relief funds.

The program is provided to homeowners through the CalHFA Homeowner Relief Corporation.

During the press conference held in the first week of Black History Month, Hall made a point to mention that those who tend to struggle with homeownership in California and the nation at large are Black.

“Black communities have been shut out of homeownership by a variety of factors including discriminatory housing practices which equates to less generational wealth,” said Hall.

Homeownership is an incredibly important tool in building generational wealth, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Volma Volcy, Founder and Executive Director of the Ring of Democracy, said it is important to secure the prosperity of neighborhoods where residents are at risk for foreclosure.

“When a family is displaced, a whole community is destroyed,” said Volcy.

Volcy also said that the California Mortgage Relief Program has been successful so far in providing aid for those in fear of losing their homes due to pandemic-related financial hardships.

Visit the California Mortgage Relief website to assess your eligibility and apply for the program.

Riverside Community Health Foundation and Neighborhood Healthcare celebrate partnership at two Riverside health centers

RIVERSIDE, CA—Riverside Community Health Foundation (RCHF) and Neighborhood Healthcare celebrated two ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the Eastside Health Center Building A and Eastside Health Center Building B.

RCHF, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the community, partnered with Neighborhood Healthcare late last year to assume operations of both clinics without service interruption.

Both facilities, located at 1970 and 1971 University Ave, will accept Medi-Cal and Medicare along with other insurance while providing primary care, behavioral health, pediatrics, women’s health, prenatal, and dental care with expanded specialty services such as acupuncture and chiropractic care. The RCHF and Neighborhood Healthcare relationship expands both organizations’ capabilities to offer individuals and families in the area quality, compassionate care regardless of situation or circumstance at these and other facilities.

“We are excited to celebrate our partnership with Neighborhood Healthcare,” said Dan Anderson, D. Min, President/CEO of Riverside Community Health Foundation. “The organization has a proven track record of quality care, and we are excited to continue to work with them to foster healthier and happier communities through compassionate and quality care.”

U.S. Congressman Mark Takano participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremonies, which included a check presentation on behalf of the Congressional Appropriations Committee for the Community Project Funding awarded to RCHF for the renovations of Eastside Health Center Building A and Arlanza Family Health Center. California Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes and Riverside Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes also joined the activities.

“I’m thrilled to have secured $2 million in federal Community Project Funding for Riverside Community Health Foundation,” said Congressman Mark Takano. “RCHF provides vital health services for some of the most vulnerable populations in my district, and I look forward to the impact that these renovations will have on access to care in our community.”

“We offer more than just medical care,” said Rakesh Patel, MD, CEO of Neighborhood Healthcare. “Together with RCHF, our programs and resources can help individuals and families with everything from obtaining insurance coverage to planning a family.”

Individuals desiring to schedule a Neighborhood Healthcare appointment may do so online at www.nhcare.org/schedule or call 833-867-4642.

“Listen to What the Holy Spirit is Saying!”

By Lou K Coleman-Yeboah

Your life is about to change! Your world is about to be turned upside down! Total chaos and upheaval is right around the corner. The One World Government, One World Currency, and One World Religion is coming like a freight train. Bank Closures, Riots, Cities Burning, Starvation, Martial Law, FEMA Camps, Constitutional Rights Obliterated, Globalist Takeovers, Disease, Despair, Lawlessness, Crime, World War III, you name it, will soon be unfolding. Buckle your seat belts and hang on tight, the ride is about to get rough. Listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying, because all that Bible prophecy said would happen is happening right before your eyes.

Yes, the New World Order is about to launch into full swing. Plans are moving along the “fast track” as the corrupt, criminal regimes currently occupying the highest political, financial, and religious positions in the world, who are being driven by the New World Order evil demonic influence, are about to go to all-out war in attempts to maintain control. Listen to what the Holy spirit is saying! There’s not much time left. The handwriting is on the wall! The world is about to DRAMATICALLY CHANGE. A cataclysm of unprecedented proportions is coming upon the world in which you live. Do not ignore, neglect, or cast aside God’s offer of mercy. Respond to it NOW! For NOW, is the acceptable time, NOW is the day of salvation! [Romans 13:11]. For if there was ever a time for you to “make your calling and election sure,” and be sure that you are saved, it is NOW, because only those who have heard and heeded the warning will be spared. Listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying! End times prophecy is fast being fulfilled.

The hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try all that dwell upon the earth [Revelations 3:10] will soon be upon you, and all who are not firmly established upon God’s Word and the righteousness of Jesus Christ will be deceived and overcome. Understand Satan “works with all power and signs and lying wonders, with all deceivableness of unrighteousness” [2 Thessalonians 2:9-10] to gain control of mankind, and his deceptions will increase right up to the very end. So, please surrender your life to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, because this will be the worst time of suffering since the beginning of the world, and nothing this terrible will ever happen again.” [Matthew 24:21]. The signs are fulfilling, and the final end time events of prophecy are upon you. Listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying!

The people were warned by Noah. For 120 years, as he built the ark, he was preaching about the coming cataclysm, but the people just ignored his warnings. They did the things they always did. They ate, they drank, and they married and lived it up. They ignored all the warning signs, and they paid an eternal price for doing so! They “knew not” until it was too late. [Matthew 24:39].

Joint Center Applauds President Biden for Appointing Joelle Gamble to Economic Team

In response to President Biden announcing key members of his economic team, including appointing Joelle Gamble as deputy director of the National Economic Council, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies issued the following statement:

“We commend President Biden for selecting Joelle Gamble to be a senior member of his economic team. Joelle is an outstanding economic policy leader who will work to ensure the needs of all Americans are represented in our nation’s economic recovery,” said Joint Center President Spencer Overton. “This appointment is also an important step forward for the Biden Administration in improving Black representation in senior economic policy roles. The Joint Center looks forward to continuing to work with the Biden Administration on this important issue.”

Joelle Gamble currently serves as chief economist of the U.S. Department of Labor. Prior to this role, she was special assistant to the president for Economic Policy for the National Economic Council and served as an economic policy advisor role on the presidential transition. Before joining the administration, she served as a principal at Omidyar Network. She was senior advisor to the president and CEO of the Roosevelt Institute and national director of the Roosevelt Institute’s network for emerging leaders in public policy. Gamble is a graduate of UCLA and Princeton University.

Behavioral Health Department Seeks Public Input on Mental Health Plan

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health invites community members to review and comment on the draft Mental Health Services Act Three-Year Integrated Plan.

The draft plan is a comprehensive report that illustrates the impact made in addressing the behavioral health needs of San Bernardino County.

“The draft plan demonstrates the expansion of the public behavioral health system of care, promoting wellness, recovery and resilience for our county,” said DBH Director Dr. Georgina Yoshioka. “Community is at the center of what we do, therefore it is important that you share feedback for DBH to plan on further developing our services.”

View and comment on the draft plan by visiting https://wp.sbcounty.gov/dbh/programs/mhsa/ now until March 15, 2023.

For additional information on the update or to request interpretation services or disability-related accommodations, please call (800) 722-9866 (dial 7-1-1 for TTY users) or email mhsa@dbh.sbcounty.gov.

Barstow native serves with U.S. Navy helicopter squadron supporting maritime missions around the glo

By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach

SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class Brenda Cano, a native of Barstow, California, serves with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 78, operating out of San Diego, California. The squadron’s primary mission is to conduct sea control operations in open-ocean and coastal environments. This includes hunting for submarines, searching for surface targets over the horizon and conducting search and rescue operations.

Cano, a 2019 Barstow High School graduate, joined the Navy two years ago. Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Barstow.

“In high school I was given the opportunity to do an internship with an organization called PACE,” said Cano. “It taught me the importance of hard work and how hard work can pay off.”

Today, Cano serves with the helicopter squadron that flies the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. The MH-60R is a twin-engine helicopter used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, drug interdiction, anti-ship warfare, cargo lift, and special operations.

This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as “The First Six,” earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.

With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.

“Our mission remains timeless – to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”

As a member of the Navy, Cano is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“We need a strong Navy to defend our nation and keep our loved ones safe at home,” said Cano.

Cano has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I’m proud to be recognized for what I do,” said Cano. “I was named the Bluejacket of the Year in 2022. It was an honor to earn this award.”

As Cano and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy gives me an opportunity to travel, make new friends and get paid for doing a job I enjoy,” said Cano.

Cano is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I’d like to thank my friends and family for being there to support me,” said Cano.

Community Leader Ron Husband Recognized by the California State Legislature

SACRAMENTO, CA— This week, long-time San Dimas resident, and Monrovia High School alumnus, Ronald “Ron” Husband was recognized by Assemblymember Chris Holden and the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) as the 41st Assembly District’s Unsung Hero for his positive impact in the community. An Unsung Hero is defined as a person who makes a substantive yet unrecognized contribution — a person whose bravery is unknown or unacknowledged. The California Legislative Black Caucus established the Black History Month Unsung Hero Award to recognize individuals who have contributed selflessly to their respective districts.

“Ron is an example of perseverance and persistence – by doing what you love and offering a seat at the table to people who did not think that was possible,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “Through his vision of art, he has taught students across the nation what it means to imagine more.”

Mr. Ron Husband, a 38-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company retired as a character artist from the Walt Disney Consumer Products Division. Ron graduated from Monrovia High School and went on to receive his Associate’s Degree in Art from Citrus College, and later his bachelor’s degree in 1973 from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Ron joined Walt Disney Feature Animation in 1975 as an animation trainee and worked for 30 years in that department. He holds the distinction of being the first African American animator & the first African American supervising animator for Walt Disney Studios. In 2019, he was inducted into the College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

“I am so touched and humbled by this award, thank you to Assemblymember Holden and The California Legislative Black Caucus,” stated Ron Husband, 2023 Unsung Hero Awardee.

Healthy Heritage Receives Community Service Award for Mental Health and Cultural Awareness Work in African American Community

RIVERSIDE, CA—- Healthy Heritage, an Inland Empire nonprofit organization, has been awarded the Community Service Award presented by the African American Family Wellness Advisory Group (AAFWAG) for their outstanding work in addressing mental health within the African American community.

Healthy Heritage is the first recipient ever to receive the Community Service Award from AAFWAG, which will now be presented annually to an organization that demonstrates exceptional community service and makes a significant impact on the lives of individuals within the African American community. AAFWAG is part of the Riverside University Health Systems Behavioral Health Cultural Competency Program. Their primary focus is to educate and engage the community to reduce the stigma and disparities associated with mental health in the African American community.

“Healthy Heritage was recognized for their work in providing culturally responsive mental health programs and services to support African American individuals and families within the Inland Empire”, commented Hazel Lambert, Cultural Community Liaison of AAFWAG. “They provide unique and creative ways of reaching the community outside of traditional therapy services which helps to reduce barriers. I was especially impressed with their Broken Crayon’s Still Color Project, their Laughing for the Health of It mental health resource fair and comedy show and their My Hair, My Health collaborative community event.”

Mental health is a critical issue in the African American community, where individuals often face unique challenges related to stigma, access to care, and historical trauma. Since 2007, Healthy Heritage has been dedicated to addressing these issues through a range of programs and services, including mental health workshops, healthy lifestyles workshops, seminars, and community outreach.

“It’s definitely a special honor and privilege for Healthy Heritage to receive this award. AAFWAG helps to bridge the gap and brings together so many organizations throughout the Inland Empire that do great work in our community, and we’re grateful to be one of those organizations and be recognized for our contributions,” said Phyllis Clark, CEO & Founder  of Healthy Heritage. “Mental health is a crucial component of overall wellness, and we are committed to providing unique, responsive and accessible services to those who need it most.”

The award recognizes the significant impact that Healthy Heritage has made in the African American community throughout the Inland Empire.  By providing creative and engaging programs and services, they have helped to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and promote overall well-being.

Healthy Heritage is proud to be recognized for their work and looks forward to continuing to serve the community through their programs and services. Those interested in getting involved can save the date for May 21, 2023 for their Laughing for the Health of It mental health resource fair and comedy show at Ontario Improv.

For more information about Healthy Heritage, their work in the community and their upcoming comedy show, please call 951-293-4240 or visit their website at www.HealthyHeritage.org.