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CHARLOTTE, NC – With significant gains in education, employment, and entrepreneurs, African American women emerged as leaders in Black homebuying, according to a report released today by the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB).

NAREB’S 2023 Women Investing in Real Estate (W.I.R.E) report found that between 1990 and 2019, Black women increased homeownership by 5.6%. Moreover, Black women ages 45-54 and over 75 had a 2.9% increase during the pandemic, the largest among Black homeowners. In early 2020, when the pandemic onset slowed homebuying, Black women fared better than men. The full report can be downloaded HERE.

“With the rise of Black women buying homes, there is hope for the future,” exclaimed Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose, NAREB’s President. “Black women are breaking down barriers in several areas, and homeownership is another example of the resilience and strength of Black women working to secure a financial foundation for themselves and their families and contributing to closing the racial wealth gap. By owning a home, Black women create paths toward long-term financial stability and a legacy for their families. Homeownership among Black women is economic empowerment and serves as a catalyst for broader community development.”   

Dr. Rose added: “As homeowners invest in their properties, neighborhood revitalization often follows, impacting local economies and fostering community pride. This upward trajectory of Black female homeownership embodies the resilience and determination to overcome historical challenges and pave the way for social and economic progress.”

Noting that Black female homebuyers rebounded faster and continued to outpace males during the economic recovery from the pandemic, the W.I.R.E report outlined the data demonstrating Black women’s growing status and strength in American society.

The advances by Black women will be celebrated at NAREB’s 2024 MidWinter Conference in Charlotte, NC, February 28 – March 2. On Friday, March 1, Dr. Rose, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, and Wells Fargo EVP Georgette Dixon will participate in “A Fireside Chat with Women of Impact” at the Marriot Charlotte City Center at 11:15 AM.

“I’m looking forward to sharing my story, the triumphs and challenges, as well as hearing from my esteemed colleagues as we go on to discuss what’s next for women leaders and entrepreneurs,” Dixon said. “Wells Fargo is excited to be a leader in this space of supporting women’s empowerment with a variety of programing through organizations like NAREB and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).”

The W.I.R.E. report documented the economic gains that have paved the way for the success being enjoyed by Black women, who are 6.3% of the nation’s population, 52% of the African American population, and 12.5% of all women. Further, 63.4% of African American women over 16 are active in the labor force, and 89.3% of Black women have graduated high school or its equivalent.

Black women are also making tremendous strides as entrepreneurs. According to recent data, businesses owned by Black women grew by 50% between 2014 and 2019, with Black Women accounting for 42% of all women who opened new businesses during that period. In 2021, 17% of Black women were in the process of starting a new business. – 7% more than White women and 2% more than White men.

The real estate industry is also witnessing a positive trend concerning diversity, with an encouraging number of Black women carving a niche for themselves in this sector.

The shift towards greater inclusivity is a win for Black women and the industry, with diverse perspectives fostering innovation and a deeper understanding of multifaceted market needs. It is widely recognized that the real estate industry has been working toward increasing diversity and inclusion within its ranks. Black women, in particular, have made strides in the field, with NAREB and others providing support and networking opportunities to encourage further representation.

“Despite these efforts, considerable work remains to be done to eliminate barriers to entry and advancement for underrepresented groups,” said Dr. Rose. “Ongoing mentorship programs and targeted educational resources are critical for equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. “In response to the W.I.R.E. report, NAREB will host a pre-conference one-day event for Black women in real estate and finance as part of their annual convention on July 31, 2024, in New Orleans, LA.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS

NAREB was formed in 1947 to secure equal housing opportunities regardless of race, creed, or color. NAREB has advocated for legislation and supported or instigated legal challenges that ensure fair housing, sustainable homeownership, and access to credit for Black Americans. Simultaneously, NAREB advocates for and promotes access to business opportunities for Black real estate professionals in each real estate discipline.  From the past to the present, NAREB remains an association proud of its history, dedicated to its chosen struggle, and unrelenting in its pursuit of the REALTIST®’s mission/vision embedded goal, “Democracy in Housing.”

By Sonya Muhammad

Communities within Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County would like to wish Mr. William Charles Walker, Sr., a very Happy 75th Birthday, as he continues into his 76th year with the same enthusiasm for life and the determination to be relevant in his community, that he had thirty or forty years ago.  Unlike Cinderella, Mr. Walker’s life story has not been a fairytale or a story for the faint at heart.  Born in Upland, California, and raised in Pomona, California, Mr. Walker was exposed to a vast variety of lifestyles with some intriguing him more than others.

The importance of decisions, choices, and taking responsibility for one’s actions are topics of interest to Mr. Walker, as he shares it was the decisions and choices made in his earlier days, that cost him 26 years of his life with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).  However, it was this experience that made him realize the seriousness of this wake-up call that demanded his immediate attention, and he recognized his survival and future were depending on his ability to navigate and master the many life lessons on the table then and now.

Every prison in the world has become proficient at robbing minds, bodies, dreams, and souls.  So, it is no small task to maintain a sense of wholeness, as one attempts to quiet the silent tears inside to restore clarity and vision.  Mr. Walker never forgot how his church and his community stood by him during his days of darkness, which was his motivation and inspiration to stand strong, so that he could one day give back to those who had given to him.

And equally, if not more importantly, Mr. Walker’s two sons, Robert and William Jr., became his reasons for living and maintaining a more purposeful life.  Mr. Walker clearly recalls the day the gates of freedom opened, and he was handed $200 to start a new life.  He remembers the promise he made to never return, and he made that promise to God in reverence of the mercy and leniency that had been extended to him, and that was a promise kept for more than thirty years and will be forever.

His word is his bond, so no matter what challenges or setbacks step onto his path, he trusts in God for the answers which always come without fail.  So in gratitude, it makes sense to do whatever he can to share his blessings with others.  777 Community Warehouse and Services was founded by Mr. Walker for the purpose of providing food, clothing, job skills and opportunities, and mentoring services for the homeless community, veterans, juveniles in distress, and people who are reintegrating back into society after various periods of time of incarceration.

777 Community Warehouse and Services, is a 501 (c )(3), nonprofit public benefit organization,  that serves as a liaison between 777 Community Warehouse and Services and other nonprofit organizations,  collaborating to distribute products to those in need and serving as a resource center for other nonprofit organizations.  Many lives have been touched by the mission and commitment of  the 777 Community Warehouse and Services team over the years, so it seems very appropriate at this time to show our appreciation for Mr. Walker’s dedicated work in the community by sending monetary gifts and donations of food, clothing, toiletries, and any items considered essential for human survival and support, in a collective celebration of Mr. Walker’s 75th anniversary of life.

Thanking everyone in advance, donations may be directed to:

Mr. William C. Walker, Sr.

777 Community Warehouse and Services

1377 South Lilac Avenue

Suite 115

Bloomington, CA.  92316

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL—- AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) mourns the death of lifelong AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent who passed away in her sleep yesterday at the age of 39. Broadbent, who was HIV-positive since birth, first came to national prominence in 1996 when she appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and other national news and talk programs at the age of 11 to talk about her life living with AIDS.

Broadbent continued her fierce and outspoken advocacy throughout her youth and adulthood. Over the years, Broadbent partnered with AHF on several AIDS advocacy and awareness campaigns, including riding on AHF’s award-winning 2013 Tournament of Roses parade float titled “The Global Face of AIDS” on which she represented North American individuals living with AIDS. Broadbent also appeared in AHF’s “God Loves Me” billboard campaign, featuring people living with HIV and the simple but profound tag line.

• AHF’s Las Vegas Healthcare Centers Opening, 2013: Hydeia Broadbent attended the opening ceremony of AHF’s first Las Vegas Healthcare Centers. Being from the state of Nevada herself, Hydeia made a special appearance at the ribbon cutting.
• AHF’s “AIDS is a Civil Rights Issue” campaign, Los Angeles 2014: Hydeia Broadbent spoke at AHF’s third community forum in a nationwide series of “AIDS is a Public Health Issue” at the Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles.
• AHF’s “AIDS is a Civil Rights Issue” campaign, Selma 2015: During the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March, Hydeia Broadbent joined Rev. Al Sharpton, Cynthia Davis, and Gabriel Maldonado to speak on a panel at Selma University for “AIDS is a Civil Rights Issue: An Evening of Action.”

By Lila Brown | California Black Media 

On February 21, President Joe Biden announced the cancellation of $1.2 billion in student debt for almost 153,000 borrowers enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) repayment plan.

Biden shared the news during a campaign stop while on a tour of California. From Feb. 20 to February 22, the President visited Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Los Altos Hills.

“There were existing programs in the law for fixing and adjusting the programs. We had to change them to make people eligible. And that’s what I’ve done,” Biden said, speaking at the Julian Dixon Library in Culver City.

After the President referenced the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down his administration’s original debt relief plan, Biden summed up some of the benefits of his executive action.

“It helps everyone, not just the people whose debt is relieved, but when people in student debt are relieved, they buy homes, they start businesses, they contribute, they engage in the community in ways they weren’t able to before. It actually grows the economy,” he said.

The Biden-Harris Administration first introduced the SAVE plan with the belief that education beyond high school should unlock doors to opportunity, not burden borrowers with unmanageable debt.

Biden expressed gratitude for being able to make progress as he promised to borrowers and thanked Culver City Mayor Yasmine Imani-McMorrin for her support in helping to roll out the plan.

So far, the Biden-Harris Administration has approved nearly $138 billion in student debt cancellation for almost 3.9 million borrowers through more than two dozen executive actions. The borrowers receiving relief are the first to benefit from a SAVE plan policy that provides debt forgiveness to borrowers who have been in repayment after as little as 10 years and took out $12,000 or less in student loans.

According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, students, particularly those from less-advantaged backgrounds, have had to rely on substantial student loans to finance their education. Similarly, college graduates who are the first in their family to go to college are more likely to incur debt to complete their degree than their peers. Over the past 40 years, college tuition has significantly outpaced many families’ incomes.

Early in his administration, Biden pledged to reform the student loan system and make sure higher education would be a pathway to the middle class.

“This is what the American dream is all about, and this is exactly what the President is advocating for. When people are financially insecure, they are unable to feel when the economy is good. Our economy is stronger than ever, but that is hard to notice when you’re in the quicksand of student loan debt,” said Congressmember Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), who spoke at the press conference.

Other elected officials attending the news briefing included Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Mayor McMorrin, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.

 “Black college graduates have, on average, $25,000 more in student debt than white college graduates,” Kamlager-Dove added. “This is evidence of something we all already knew: that the cost of success is higher if you’re Black.?Combating this disparity?must?be part of the conversations we have around student debt, just like it is around wealth creation. And President Biden gets it.”

The Biden-Harris Administration introduced the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan in August 2023. This new income-driven repayment (IDR) plan, like its predecessor, is voluntary and bases monthly student loan payments on the borrower’s earnings. However, the new formula includes adjustments such as (but not limited to) shielding more income from being used to calculate student loan payments and waiving unpaid interest at the end of each month to lower monthly payments.

As the full SAVE regulations go into effect on July 1, 2024, the Department of Education has implemented three key benefits starting with the amount of income protected from payments on the SAVE plan which has risen to 225% of the Federal poverty guidelines (FPL). Next, the Department has stopped charging any monthly interest not covered by the borrower’s payment; and finally, married borrowers who file their taxes separately are no longer required to include their spouse’s income in their payment calculation for SAVE.

“Addressing student loan debt should be thought of as a job’s initiative, said Bass, who hosted Biden at CJ’s Cafe in Baldwin Hills before the announcement.

“This should be thought of as a housing initiative. This should be thought of as an economic motivator for young people throughout the country,” Bass continued.  “Student loan debt cripples our workforce – especially when it comes to addressing homelessness. We need more social workers, more mental health specialists, and more service providers.”

During his remarks, President Biden thanked Mayor Bass for her partnership and friendship.

While introducing the President, Dr. Jessica Saint Paul, a Physician Assistant, and public health practitioner spoke about the importance of receiving student debt relief. She said her loans ballooned from $90,000 to $145,000 even though she was making monthly payments.

Dr. Saint Paul, a Haitian immigrant, said the inability to repay back loans delayed her plans to start a family but after her debt had been forgiven, she was able to follow through on her dreams. Now, the proud mother to a baby daughter, she currently works as an adjunct professor at the Los Angeles Community College District.

“I’m proud to have been able to give borrowers like so many of you the relief you earned. I’m never going to stop fighting for hardworking American families. If you qualify, you’ll be hearing from me shortly,” the President concluded. “It’s about your dignity. It’s about opportunity.”

RIALTO, CA – Last week marked a monumental occasion as the City of Rialto proudly unveiled its latest affordable housing development, Metro View Apartments, located at 164 W. Bonnie View Drive. The grand opening ceremony signified a significant stride forward for the community and its residents, ushering in a new era of accessibility and opportunity.

National CORE, the nonprofit sponsor of Metro View Apartments, brought this transformational vision to life, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to providing quality housing solutions for individuals and families in need.

“Metro View Apartments embodies the values of our community – a place where caring, responsibility and respect intersect to create a brighter future for all. National CORE’s intimate knowledge of this housing development project has been invaluable, and we are proud to partner with them in this endeavor,” said Mayor Deborah Robertson.

The state-of-the-art facility promises to be more than just a place to live; it is a beacon of hope and opportunity for its future residents. With its modern amenities and prime location, Metro View Apartments is poised to become a hub of activity, fostering a sense of community, and belonging for generations to come.

To commemorate this historic milestone, residents, dignitaries, and stakeholders joined in the festivities, which included speeches from city officials, guided tours of the facility, live entertainment, and refreshments.

“We are thrilled to unveil this remarkable addition to our city,” said David N. Carmany, City Manager. “The grand opening of Metro View signifies our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our residents and fostering a vibrant community spirit. With this project, lives are being changed for the better. We look forward to the memories and experiences that will be created within these walls for generations to come.”

National CORE President Michael Ruane expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Metro View Apartments represents a significant step toward addressing the critical need for affordable housing. We are proud to have partnered with the City of Rialto to make this vision a reality and remain dedicated to serving the housing needs of individuals and families throughout the region.”

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

On February 21, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) held a press conference at the State Capitol organized to introduce a package of reparations legislation the lawmakers call “a starting point” to atone for the state’s legacy of discrimination.

All 12 members of the CLBC were present to explain their efforts to rectify the damages caused by the systemic discrimination against Black Californians detailed in the 1,100-page report by the first-in-the-nation California reparations task force.

The nine-member panel submitted the recommendations on June 28, 2023.

CLBC chairperson Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) said it may take three to seven years to pass legislation aimed at implementing the task force recommendations.

The package the CLBC members presented consists of 14 legislative proposals, each designed to address different aspects of systemic racism and inequality.

One proposal by Assemblymember Cory Jackson (D-Riverside), ACA 7, seeks to amend the voter-passed initiative, Prop 209, that prohibits considering race, color, sex, or nationality in public employment, education, and contracting decisions. This amendment would allow the governor to approve exceptions to the law to address poverty and improve educational outcomes for African Americans and other marginalized groups.

Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) discussed legislation aimed at compensating families whose properties were seized through eminent domain as a result of racism and discrimination.

The package of bills includes a measure proposed by Assemblymember Reggie Jones Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), Assembly Bill (AB) 3089 to formally acknowledge California’s history of slavery and discrimination, requiring lawmakers to issue a formal apology.

Additionally, a proposed constitutional amendment, ACA 8, sponsored by CBLC chair, Lori Wilson aims to ban involuntary servitude, particularly within the state’s prison system.

Reparations advocates and social justice groups from statewide organizations shared their support and criticism of the 14-bill reparations package with California Black Media (CBM).

A Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) stated that the CLBC’s package does not address direct-cash payment, which, for that group’s leadership, is a non-negotiable component of any proposed compensation package.

“Our coalition’s unwavering commitment has been to pursue lineage-based reparations, encompassing direct monetary payments/compensation, state recognition of descendants as a protected class, and the establishment of the California American Freedman Affairs Agency through Senate Bill (SB) 490,” CJEC member Chris Lodgson outlined in a statement.

Lodgson continued, “We believe these vital components are imperative and a necessary first step toward true Reparations. As we’ve communicated to elected officials directly for some time, we believe any Reparations package must be targeted explicitly and exclusively to California’s 2 million Black American descendants of person enslaved in the U.S. (American Freedmen).”

Media present at the news briefing persistently questioned Wilson and other CLBC members about direct payments.

Wilson mentioned that the budget deficit California is currently facing has become consideration in discussions about compensation. A Legislative Analyst’s Office report released  Feb. 20, estimates that the state’s budget shortfall could expand to $73 billion by May.

“In regard to direct-cash payments to individuals we will continue to have that discussion as we navigate the next few years,” Wilson said. “As noted, we’re halfway through a legislative session. We have about three months of the legislative process in each house (Senate and Assembly) to work through these existing bills. In the next session, we have two years, and during that two-year session, we will consider of the fall concluding additional payments whether they are direct-cash payments or direct payments to communities,” Wilson said.

The Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation, and Truth (ARRT), a collaboration of California’s leading Black power-building and justice groups, supports seven of CLBC’s 14 reparations bills with proposals that include the restoration of property, establishing the property tax assistance for Descendants of enslaved persons program, a formal apology for human rights violations and crimes against humanity, amending the California Constitution to prohibit involuntary servitude for incarcerated persons, and prohibiting discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles.

“The California Legislative Black Caucus reparations package marks a historic and meaningful moment in time. ARRT encourages lawmakers to pursue an even more expansive and definitive action to fulfill the reparations principles as recognized by the United Nations,” stated James Woodson, AART co-founder and Executive Director of the California Black Power Network. “Reparative justice must be impactful, transformative, and enduring, thus paving the way toward atoning for the wrongdoings deeply imprinted in the state’s history and healing this democracy.”

ARRT is a collaboration between the Black Equity Collective, the California Black Power Network, Catalyst California, Equal Justice Society, and Live Free USA, Live Free California.

Former members of the California reparations task force have partnered   with AART: Loyola-Marymount clinical psychologist professor Dr. Cheryl Grills, Oakland-based civil rights attorney Lisa Holder, Chair of the Department of Geography at the University of California Berkeley professor Dr. Jovan Scott Lewis, and Oakland-based attorney Donald Tamaki.

“We absolutely are (in support of direct-cash payments),” Woodson told California Black Media. “I think we got to have it all. There were multiple harms that were caused and one of them was financial and that needs to be compensated for cash payments. And there are also systemic harms that were created. We need to change laws. We need to change how rules work because a lot of it flows out of anti-Black racism. We have to have everything because if you leave anything out it’s not for reparations.”

Sources shared with CBM that there will be a series of listening sessions with the CLBC to help educate Californians about the reparation bills and the workings of the legislative process.

The members of the CLBC are Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City); Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood); Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa); Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights); Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda); Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena); Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson); Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Riverside); Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D- Los Angeles); Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood); Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento); and Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles).

SACRAMENTO, CA – Pasadena native, and longstanding California Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Leondra R. Kruger was recognized by Assemblymember Chris Holden and the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) as the 41st Assembly District’s Unsung Hero for her outstanding achievement and positive impact on 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.

“Justice Kruger is a true trailblazer and someone that future generations can look to as an example of hard work, discipline and all-around excellence,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden.

The California Legislative Black Caucus established the Black History Month Unsung Hero Award to recognize individuals who have contributed selflessly to their respective districts. Justice Leondra R. Kruger received her bachelor’s degree with high honors from Harvard College and received her J.D. from Yale Law School. She then went on to serve as a law clerk to Judge David S. Tatel of the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and to Justice John Paul Stevens of the United States Supreme Court. In November of 2014, she was appointed to the California State Supreme Court, confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments on December 22, 2014, and sworn in by the Governor on January 5, 2015.

“By enduring all that it takes to become the second African American woman and third youngest person ever to be appointed to the California Supreme Court, she is paving the way for upcoming young and diverse leaders and showing them that they are capable of more than they ever imagined,” said Holden.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Bass Public Affairs (BPA) and The King for America Foundation hosted the first in a series of events focused on celebrating the long-shared history of collaboration between the African-American and Jewish American communities. Under the banner of the Yahweh Project BPA hopes to remind Black and Jewish communities of the historic achievements that resulted from their unified efforts.

The Black History Month luncheon, held at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, featured a discussion led by Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Thomas, senior pastor at Forestville New Redeemer Church in Forestville, Maryland. Dr. Thomas cautioned against Black Americans being misled by antisemitic misinformation from the past and present. “We have a number of groups pouring into our black churches to educate pastors in a way that is anti-Israel,” said Dr. Thomas. “We don’t need indoctrination, we need education.”

The Yahweh Project serves as a resource not only for pastors but also for educators, students, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Black and Jewish collaboration. In light of the increasing prevalence of antisemitism in the United States, dialogue centered on democracy and intentional efforts to foster unity on college campuses, in the media and in popular culture are imperative.

“After the horrific attacks of October 7th, we were deeply troubled by the antisemitic rhetoric emanating from some corners of the black community,” said Dee Dee Bass Wilbon, a partner at Bass Public Affairs. “Our mission is simple. We want to remind America that after Reconstruction, during the turn of the 20th Century, and amid some of the darkest days of the Civil Rights Movement, Jewish Americans marched, bled and died for the cause of justice on behalf of African Americans.”

“We are grateful to advance the goals of the Yahweh Project with initial support from the Ken and Frayda Levy Foundation and additional support from Cliff and Laurel Asness,” said Dr. Alveda King, founder of King for America.

Upcoming events include roundtable discussions at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, ecumenical forums with faith leaders, and a media campaign featuring ads in Black press outlets. For more information, visit BassPublicAffairs.com/theyahwehproject.

MEMPHIS, TN – Aqila Augusta, a former nurse turned entrepreneur, is proud to share a special list for Black History Month titled “Celebrating Black History Month: Iconic Natural Black Hairstyles Through the Years.” She aims to honor the rich cultural heritage and diversity of black hairstyles while highlighting their significance throughout history.

“Edge Entity is more than just a brand; it’s a symbol of empowerment and confidence,” says Aqila Augusta. “We are committed to helping individuals reclaim their natural crown and rebuild their self-esteem through our innovative products.”

The list features a showcase of iconic natural black hairstyles spanning decades, highlighting their cultural significance and evolution over time. From the iconic afro, symbolizing black pride during the Civil Rights Movement, to the intricate artistry of cornrows and the spiritual significance of locs, each hairstyle tells a story of resilience, creativity, and pride within the black community.

Other featured hairstyles include twists, Bantu knots, the frohawk, big chop, natural curls, faux locs, and the teeny-weeny afro (TWA), each representing a unique expression of self-love, cultural heritage, and individuality. Here they are explained.

1. Afro: Popularized during the 1960s and 1970s, the afro became a symbol of black pride, identity, and empowerment during the Civil Rights Movement.
2. Cornrows: Originating from Africa, cornrows are braided close to the scalp in rows, often intricately styled and adorned with beads or other accessories. “Also, a crazy fact about cornrows: they were used during slavery as maps or guides for runaways to help them navigate paths to escape,” says Augusta.
3. Twists: Twists are a versatile hairstyle where sections of hair are twisted together to create a rope-like appearance, offering a low-maintenance yet stylish look.
4. Locs (Dreadlocks): A hairstyle where hair is intentionally matted and knotted to form rope-like strands, locs are often associated with spirituality, cultural identity, and rebellion against societal norms.
5. Bantu Knots: Originating from the Bantu people of Southern Africa, Bantu knots are small, coiled buns formed by twisting sections of hair, often worn as a protective style or as a precursor to voluminous curls.
6. Frohawk: A variation of the afro, the frohawk features a strip of hair left untouched down the middle of the head, while the sides are shaved or styled closely to the scalp, creating a Mohawk-like effect.
7. Big Chop: A bold statement of self-love and acceptance, the big chop involves cutting off chemically processed or damaged hair to embrace one’s natural texture and start afresh.
8. Natural Curls: Embracing the natural texture of black hair, whether in loose curls, coils, or kinks, celebrates individuality and authenticity without the need for chemical straightening or heat styling.
9. Faux Locs: Offering the look of traditional locs without the commitment, faux locs are created using extensions or braiding hair, providing versatility and style without the long-term commitment.
10. TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro): A chic and low-maintenance style, the TWA showcases the beauty of short, natural hair, allowing for easy styling and versatility while embracing one’s natural texture.

These hairstyles not only reflect the diversity and creativity within the black community but also serve as a means of self-expression, cultural heritage, and empowerment throughout history.

Originally from New Orleans and now based in Memphis, TN, Aqila Augusta embarked on her entrepreneurial journey after experiencing her own hair loss struggles. As a mother and a Hurricane Katrina survivor, Aqila’s determination led her to create her own hair growth formula after numerous failed attempts with existing products. Drawing upon her nursing background and extensive research, she founded Edge Entity, a brand dedicated to providing high-quality hair care solutions for men, women, and children worldwide.

For more information about Aqila Augusta and Edge Entity, please visit edgeentity.com and follow them on social media @Edge.Entity.

Join Aqila Augusta and Edge Entity in celebrating Black History Month and embracing the beauty of natural black hairstyles.

About Edge Entity

Edge Entity is a leading provider of high-quality hair care products, founded by Aqila Augusta, a former nurse and entrepreneur. With a mission to empower individuals to embrace their natural hair, Edge Entity offers a range of innovative solutions, from hair growth formulas to shampoos, conditioners, vitamins, and moisturizers. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has made them a trusted brand among men, women, and children worldwide.

By Tanu Henry and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media 

On February 12, Attorney Gen. Rob Bonta joined members of the California Legislative Black Caucus in Sacramento to announce they are backing a bill written to address the high maternal mortality rate among Black women.

The legislation, Assembly Bill (AB) 2319 – aims to ensure the successful implementation of SB 464, or the California Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act of 2019 (Act).

This act which took effect in 2020, mandates that all physicians in the state undergo implicit bias training every two years and requires hospitals to inform patients about their rights.

If the Legislature votes to approve it and Gov. Newsom signs it into law, AB 2319 will “provide clarity” on who qualifies to offer anti-bias trainings; designate state authorities to implement and enforce accountability measure; improve equity and inclusion; increase transparency around implementation; establish penalties for violators; among other provisions.

“It is a tragic reality that race continues to be a factor in maternal health and infant mortality rates not just in California, but across this country,” said Bonta.

“Together, we have made so much progress, and we must continue to address healthcare bias head-on. Today’s legislation does just that; it is designed to make transformational change in a system that has historically failed our mothers and babies, especially those of color,” Bonta added.

In California, ever year, Black women account for about 5% of pregnant women but make up an estimated 21% of pregnancy-related deaths, according to California Department of Justice.

Assemblymembers Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) Chair of the CLBC: Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), chair of the Assembly Health Committee; Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley); and Mike Gipson (D-Carson) attended the news briefing at the State Capitol about AB 2319.

“As a Black Mother and as Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, the fight to improve these outcomes is personal to me “I look forward to collaborating with our Attorney General Rob Bonta, Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber and other stakeholders to push this accountability measure across the finish line as we seek to make strides in improving Black maternal health outcomes throughout California,” said Wilson.