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

The process the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) promised to initiate to pass a package of reparations bills began Feb. 26, on the Assembly floor at the State Capitol with the passage of Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 135.

Authored by Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), ACR 135 — or the “Human rights violations and crimes against humanity on African slaves and their descendants” — recognizes the “harms and atrocities committed by representatives of the State of California who promoted, facilitated, enforced and permitted the institution of chattel slavery,” according to the language of the resolution.

The measure was unanimously approved with a 57-0 vote on the Assembly floor.

“ACR 135 is not only a resolution to affirm the (California Reparations Task Force) report,” Weber. Said during her presentation on the Assembly floor.  “It is also meant to educate ourselves on California’s history. Ida B. Wells wrote, ‘The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.’ The reparations task force turned the light on truth, and this is laid out in ACR 135.”

The nine-member reparations task force submitted a comprehensive 1,075-page report to the Legislature on June 28, 2023. The report contains the panel’s findings from a two-year study that involved investigations of harms, testimonies from community members, and up to 115 recommendations for compensation for eligible Black Californians.

On January 31, the CLBC announced the introduction of the 2024 Reparations Priority Bill Package, which includes 14 pieces of legislation that represents the first step in a multi-year effort to implement the legislative recommendations in the report.

ACR 15 was among the list of considerations.

Regarding the passage of significant legislation related to reparations for Black Californians, Weber is following in her mother’s footsteps.

Her mother, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, authored AB 3121, the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans, as an Assemblymember representing the 79^th District. This legislation was the first-in-the-nation bill created at the state level to study and recommend redress for past injustices against the descendants of African people enslaved in the United States.

During the announcement of the rollout of the bills on Feb. 21, CLBC Chair, Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), said the package was part of “30 reparations bills” the Black lawmakers are developing. A bill requesting a formal apology from the Governor and the Legislature for California’s historical injustices against African Americans is next in line, Wilson said.

The passage of ACR 135 will officially open discussions about reparations, Wilson said.

“This year’s legislative package tackles a wide range of issues from criminal justice reforms to property rights to education, civil rights, and food justice,” Wilson stated. “The Caucus is looking to make strides in the second half of this legislative session as we build towards righting the wrongs of California’s past in future sessions.”

Before the vote, members from the CLBC spoke about the significance of the report, educating their colleagues about the issues that affected the Black community after slavery, and the task ahead to get the reparations bills to the Governor’s desk.

The members of the CLBC that spoke on the floor were 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), and Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento).

Other members of the Assembly body shared their sentiments about ACR 135 as well.

Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-Highland), the first Native American elected to the California Legislature, expressed his support for the bill.

“The consequences of those 246 years of slavery and a 100 of segregation still plague African Americans today, and indeed plagues all Americans today,” said Ramos. “It is a history of trauma that still needs to come to light to make sure we can overcome and start the healing process – not only in our nation but here also in the state of California. During those times of slavery, bondage and oppression, many African Americans fled that type of treatment to find solitude with Native American tribes.”

Assemblymember Bill Essayli (R-Corona) condemned the state’s dark past.

“I rise in commendation of racial discrimination and the despicable indefensible treatment of Black Californians in our state’s early years,” Essayli said. “But I also rise as a proud Californian and believe that despite the bleak history of our early days our state has often been at the forefront of the fight for racial equality.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Time for Change Foundation’s (TFCF) 22nd Anniversary Awards Gala will honor outstanding individuals and organizations that go above and beyond for our communities and continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

Bobby Wagner, a football player of the NFL, will be honored with the Philanthropist of the Year Award for his outstanding dedication as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and investor. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Ontario, CA, Bobby Wagner was drafted 47th overall in the 2012 NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks. Quickly excelling on the field, Bobby won a Super Bowl in 2013, and throughout his career, has earned nine Pro-Bowl selections, six First-Team All-Pros, four- Second Team All-Pros, a 2010 NFL All-Decade Team, the Seattle Seahawks Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee (2x) and the Art Rooney Sportsmanship award. He currently leads all active players in total tackles.

Bobby’s passion to promote stroke education and assist stroke patients has led to a partnership with the American Heart & Stroke Association, as well as the creation of the Phenia Mae Fund in partnership with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Cedar Sinai, and Kaiser Permanente. Additionally, Bobby has worked closely with several organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club of King County, Time for Change Foundation and HBCUs, to advocate for health and wellness, education, and child development.

“We appreciate the heart behind Bobby’s giving which is why we chose to honor him at this year’s gala,” said Vanessa Perez, Executive Director, “his support to his local community is helping single mothers provide a stable home for their children, that’s priceless!”

Other Award Honorees include:

Dawn Downs at Symbiosis with the Businesswoman of the Year Award, Laurena Bolden at San Manuel Band of Mission Indians with the Community Champion Award, Dr. Rita (Faridah) Ali from We 2 Matter with the Humanitarian Award, Rev. George Lamb at F.A.C.C.T with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Kellie Todd Griffin at CA Black Women’s Collective with the Michelle Obama Courage Award, Pastor Craig Hadley from Paradox Church with the Nancy Varner Angel Award, and Rialto ROTC with the Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award.

Time for Change Foundation’s 22nd Anniversary Awards Gala will be held on Friday, April 19th, 2024, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario, California at 6:00 p.m. PST. To support the work of Time for Change Foundation, you can become a sponsor, purchase an ad in the event program book, or purchase a Gala ticket.

To register for the event or to become a sponsor and increase your business’s visibility in the community, please visit our website at www.TimeForChangeFoundation.org, or contact Florence White at (909) 886-2994 or by email at fwhite@timeforchangefoundation.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The City of San Bernardino has announced that Andrea E. Russell has joined its leadership team as its new Human Resources and Risk Management Director.

“Andrea Russell has demonstrated her diverse and distinguished human resources experience in her time with the city,” said City Manager Charles Montoya. “Her background in recruitment will play an important role as San Bernardino continues to strategically hire additional staff.”

Russell joined San Bernardino in June 2023 as a Supervising Human Resources Analyst and has been serving as the Interim Human Resources and Risk Management Director since January. Prior to joining the city, Russell was a Human Resources Advisor to multiple public sector agencies in the areas of recruitment and candidate selection, applicant tracking systems administration, and employee classification and compensation.

“I am honored to serve the City of San Bernardino as Director of Human Resources and Risk Management,” said Russell. “This is an exciting time for the city, and I look forward to contributing to its success.”

Prior to consulting, Russell spent over 20 years in human resources for local government agencies, including with the County of San Bernardino and cities of Covina, Riverside, and Henderson (Nevada). While at the County, she led their classification and compensation process; overhauled the recruitment processes from requisition to hire; implemented innovative off-site hiring events; and worked with union representatives.

Russell holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Nevada State University, and a master’s degree in human resources management from Capella University.

The Human Resources and Risk Management Director is responsible for the planning, organization, direction, implementation of San Bernardino’s City-wide human resources and risk management programs. This includes recruitment, employment, classification, compensation, employee relations, training and development, performance evaluation, benefits, and workers’ compensation for the City’s 879 employees.

Russell replaces Suzie Soren, who was promoted to Deputy City Manager in January.

By Kellie Todd Griffin | Special to California Black Media Partners

This is a year of opportunity for Black women in Politics in California. Voters of all races across this state must collectively seize this moment to affect the kind of transformative change we are all hoping to see.

Here’s why.

We have an unprecedented number of Black Women running for office throughout the state. Whether they’re running at the local or state level, or for a congressional or U.S. Senate seat, behind the candidacy of each, one stands a powerful tale a of triumph – an inspiring story showing how determination, commitment to service and moral intelligence consistently defeat racism and sexism.

Their journeys running for office take them directly through the cultural and political barbs of race and gender, which are, far too often, concealed — but no less dangerous.

Without fail, Black Women running for office find their accomplishments, their public images, and their ideas in the crosshairs of scrutiny and skepticism, much more than their White male and female competitors.

Nevertheless, we must continue to run because there is so much work to do for Black Women and girls! California has the fifth largest Black population in the country with more than 2.2 million residents, according to the US Census data. Of those, 51% are female. In the golden state, approximately 67% of Black households are headed by single mothers. In the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute’s Quality of Life public opinion survey that polled more than 1,200 Black Women in the state, we found that nearly 2 in 5 Black Women work multiple jobs and face significant challenges meeting basic expenses. Among Black Women who are employed, two thirds are considered primary breadwinners in their households.

Although Black Women in California have one of the smallest populations, they disproportionately contribute to the labor force in the state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that among adult Women in California, Black Women (60.6%) were more likely to participate in the labor force than were Asian Women (58.8%), Latinas (58.2%), and White Women (56.4%). In addition, Black women only hold 4% of the bachelor’s degrees obtained by California women. Regardless of educational attainment, Black Women overall make less than their Black male and White female counterparts. Black Women in California are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to other racial and ethnic groups. The rate of life-threatening childbirth complications is highest among Black women. Black girls have the lowest high school graduation rate and highest dropout rate than their female counterparts in the state. An analysis by researchers at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health shows that Black girls aged 10-14 in California experience disproportionate injuries at the hands of law enforcement, 6.7 times the rate for White girls in the same age group. Homicides of Black females in the state have nearly doubled in recent years, according to FBI data.

These disparity gaps must be addressed. Without immediate interventions, we’re not going to be able to change the trajectory of California’s Black females. There is clearly a need for policy and practice transformation that center around Black Women and girls. Black Women policymakers have historically been at the forefront of the change we have achieved in this area.

Black women have contributed immeasurably to creating California policy. Whether it is the late Gwen Moore, former Assemblymember and Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, who created the state law that required supermarkets to have bathrooms to help mothers, or Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), who created the California Violence Against Women Act.  Or whether its Oakland City Councilmember Treva Reid, who fought to get the Ebony Alert passed, or L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, who authored the CROWN Act as a state lawmaker, Black Women have supported policies that improve the lives of California’s Black women. These advances, in turn, improve the lives of all women in the state, as well as all Californians.

Coretta Scott King stated “Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul.” Black Women have been the soul that drives the spirit of California. When our voice is lifted and when we are driving the conversation, meaningful progress happens.

This upcoming election on March 5 is your opportunity to vote for a Black Woman. Don’t miss this moment to continue the change we need!

About the Author

Kellie Todd Griffin is the President & CEO of the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute.

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

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).

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.

ETIWANDA, CA – High school senior Anthony Johnson knows he wants to go to college but isn’t sure where he would like to land. Meeting with recruiters from 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), which had gathered Wednesday, February 7, at Etiwanda High School, gave him some long-distance options he hadn’t thought of. And for his father, Brenton Johnson, it was music to his ears.

“I think (Anthony) wants to stay around here. I get that. But learning to be independent is such a big part of what you get from college. I would love for one of these schools to take him in, get him his degree, and send us back a man,” Brenton Johnson said.

Judging from the results of the HBCU Caravan, several Chaffey Joint Union High School students will be starting their college journeys at schools such as Florida A&M, Grambling, Alabama State, Morgan State and Talladega College. By the end of the two-hour recruitment fair, 51 students had received on-the-spot acceptances, and $867,600 in scholarships had been awarded.

The Caravan was coordinated by Joshua Kirk, Director of College Readiness & Access for the state’s second-largest high school district, in partnership with Dr. Theresa Price, founder of the National College Resources Foundation. Kirk, himself a graduate of an HBCU (Southern University), was instrumental in building a guaranteed-enrollment partnership between the District and Florida A&M earlier this year.

“It’s such a great opportunity for our students to explore all sorts of different opportunities as they begin this incredible journey into adulthood,” Kirk said.

Tirrell Hamilton, a recruiter and alumnus from Florida A&M, said events such as the Caravan and the 25^th Black College Expo in Los Angeles on February 10 can open students’ eyes to the bigger value of the college experience. “I tell kids all the time, college is not a destination. It’s a place to prepare you for the rest of your life,” he said.

For Anthony Johnson, that’s beginning to resonate. Speaking with a recruiter from Texas Southern University, the Colony High School senior asked about the college’s computer science program and fitting in as a student there. “This is good,” he said afterward. “I’m learning a lot about the HBCU community.”

Dr. Mathew Holton, Superintendent of the Chaffey District, said he appreciated the support of the National College Resources Foundation and the 20 colleges and universities that participated in the event.

“For many students, it’s not just about opening a door to a new opportunity. It’s finding out that door even exists. The HBCU Caravan is showing our students just how many opportunities, how many doors, are out there waiting for them,” Holton said.

Lon Weind, Director of Admissions Recruitment at Talledega College, described it as a win-win for students and for schools such as his – a small college of fewer than 800 students.

“They probably wouldn’t know all that we have to offer,” Weind said, adding that through recruitment fairs and programs such as the HBCU Caravan, “we have a lot of students from California.”

That’s what it’s all about, said Dr. Price, who founded the National College Resources Foundation to inspire students to attend college.

“I realized that many students were told they weren’t college material, so I said to myself, ‘What can I do about it?'” she said.

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

Last week, the California Black Women’s Health Project (CABWHP) announced that it is kicking off its 30th anniversary with special programs throughout 2024, and a continuing commitment to fighting for equity and pushing policies that help Black women and girls lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

“Over the past 30 years, we’ve worked to support Black women and girls who are too often overlooked and neglected in the healthcare system and other systems that claim to serve us,” said Sonya Young Aadam, CEO of CABWHP, in a statement.

“Despite ongoing challenges, we will continue to unapologetically advocate for the improved health and well-being of Black women and girls across California from San Diego to Sacramento, Aadam continued.

CABWHP began anniversary celebrations with a fundraising drive under the theme Giving F.O.R.W.A.R.D. (For Our RIGHTS, WELLNESS, ADVOCACY, RESOURCES, and DESCENDENTS). The organization also hosted a fireside chat honoring its past five CEOs of the organization.

All proceeds from the drive will be used to “strengthen operations and support existing programs focused on training, educating, and building the capacity of Black women to become health advocates and activists,” according to a CABWHP press release.

“We know that it takes collective community efforts to address gaps, and we remain committed to fighting against inequities,” Aadam said.

For more information on CABWHP’s work and 30th anniversary events visit CABWHP.org.