WSSN Stories

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— WASHINGTON D.C.—Within a few months of joining Axios in 2017, Alexi McCammond quickly found herself emerging as a news leader – she was promoted from deputy news editor to national political reporter. It was her drive, tenacity and commitment to holding those in power accountable that allowed her to quickly emerge as a force in political journalism. Her unique style of reporting elevated her as a leading voice in the coverage of the 2018 mid-term elections, as well as the White House.

On Friday, Aug. 9, during the Annual Hall of Fame Luncheon at the 2019 NABJ Convention in Miami,McCammond will receive the 2019 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Michael J. Feeney Emerging Journalist of the Year Award.

The 25-year-old will receive the award in recognition of her exemplary reporting that has often gone viral. She has produced thought-provoking enterprise pieces on major policy proposals, voting issues and the inner workings of the current White House administration. Most recently, McCammond was tapped to lead Axios’ 2020 elections coverage, which will include her traveling the nation talking to candidates and voters, as well as conducting focus groups with swing voters in the Midwest.

“Alexi McCammond is a past participant in NABJ’s training programs, and we are so proud to see her develop into a journalist of great character and dedication, who has shown unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of journalism,” said NABJ President Sarah Glover. “Not only has Alexi proven herself to be a rising star in journalism, but she also exemplifies the same passion for diversity in newsrooms that Michael J. Feeney, the namesake of the award, did throughout his career.”

The Michael J. Feeney Emerging Journalist of the Year Award recognizes a black print, broadcast, digital or photojournalist with less than five years of experience in the industry. Nominees, through their hard work and service, must display a commitment to NABJ’s goals of outstanding achievement and providing balanced coverage of the black community and society at large.

“I am so incredibly grateful to receive this award,” said McCammond. “Truly, from the bottom of my heart, I am honored to be recognized as the Emerging Journalist of the Year and will use this as further motivation in my reporting career. Thank you to NABJ and everyone who’s come before me for leading the way, believing in me, and giving me invaluable opportunities to learn and grow.”

Axios Editor-in-Chief Nicholas Johnston noted that McCammond’s impact in the newsroom has been “indispensable.”

“Alexi has been an indispensable part of the Axios team almost from day one, helping to build out our breaking news coverage, inventing Axios Smart Brevity campaign coverage in 2018 and now, leading Axios’ 2020 presidential campaign coverage,” Johnston said. “Her scoops and insights feature prominently in our newsletters, television appearances and on ‘Axios on HBO.’ We’re incredibly proud of her accomplishments and are thrilled to have such a smart, caring colleague with us.”

Former Axios colleague and NABJ Parliamentarian Khorri Atkinson recalled a story McCammond produced that underscored the importance of empowering citizens with knowledge about the inner-workings of government.

“Her exemplary reporting chops couldn’t be clearer when she earned the trust of a White House insider who gave her access to a trove of President Trump’s ‘executive time,’ which was filled with private schedules between Nov. 7 and Feb. 1,” Atkinson said. “Her scoop, published last February, revealed that Trump spent roughly 60% – almost 300 hours out of 502 hours – of his schedule on unstructured ‘executive time’ to watch TV, make phone calls, read the papers…. The story quickly went viral.”

McCammond has used her growing platform to elevate the voices of those often underrepresented in the political process and in the media. Last fall, she was a featured reporter on “Axios HBO,” a limited docu-series that coincided with the 2018 midterm election. In the episodes, she provided expert analysis on the growing number of women and women of color reshaping American politics.

Also, in 2018, she helped spearhead “Axions of Color,” an employee resource group designed to foster a supportive community for those who identify as people of color at Axios. “Axions of Color” also seeks to increase efforts to recruit more journalists of color to the company and bring awareness to issues facing people of color in media.

McCammond will be honored at the NABJ Hall of Fame Luncheon during the NABJ Convention & Career Fair on Friday, Aug. 9, at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa. Convention registration and luncheon tickets can be purchased here.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— You slipped on the stairs and feel your ankle throbbing. Your cough has lasted all month. Or your child spikes a high fever in the middle of the night. You call your primary care doctor first, but you can’t get a same-day appointment. So do you go to the emergency room or urgent care?

When these situations occur and we need immediate care, many face uncertainty due to the number of options available – and where you choose could be the difference between paying hundreds, or thousands of dollars. In fact, rushing to the emergency room for non-life-threatening ailments may cost patients nearly 10 times more than visiting an urgent care center. 

Here’s what to consider when deciding where to go for care:

Urgent Care Center

Urgent care centers are not for emergencies but can help you when you need care quickly. If you can’t get in with your primary care physician, this is a great option. Remember, it’s first-come, first-served. You may consider urgent care if you have symptoms like the following:

• Fever without a rash
• Moderate flu-like symptoms
• Sprains and strains
• Small cuts that may require stiches

The average cost for an urgent care visit* is $170. 

Emergency Room

Day or night, the hospital emergency room provides medical care. If your condition requires fast and advanced treatments, like surgery, go to the emergency room. The ER helps people with life-threatening or dangerous conditions first. Some of the symptoms that require an emergency room visit include, but are not limited to:

• Chest pain
• Numbness
• Slurred speech
• Fainting
• Serious burns
• Concussion
• Broken bones and dislocated joints
• Fever with a rash
• Seizures

The average cost for an emergency room visit* is $2,000.

Dr. Robert Kantor, market chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare, urges people to take a moment to think through their symptoms before rushing to the emergency room.

“It’s a difficult situation when you’re experiencing it,” he said. “Your mind is not always so clear.”

Have you considered a virtual visit?

According to a National Center for Health Statistics study, of patients who went to the emergency room but were not admitted, 48 percent say they chose the ER because their doctor’s office was not open.

If you are faced with a non-emergency health condition – like a migraine, sore throat or stomachache – but your doctor’s office is closed, you may consider a virtual visit. This allows you to chat face-to-face with a doctor, day or night, and can save you up to $2,000 when compared to a visit to the ER**.

The average cost for a virtual visit* is $50.

Still not sure?

Many health insurance companies have a 24-hour nurse line that can help you with decisions like where to go for care. You can also compare your quick care options with UnitedHealthcare’s online resource. If you or a loved one are experiencing what you feel to be life-threatening symptoms other than those listed, trust your gut, and go to the emergency room or call 9-1-1.

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*Information about treatment costs are estimates and reflect the average costs of guidance and care delivered through UnitedHealthcare owned and contracted service providers to members of UnitedHealthcare health plans. Costs for specific guidance and treatments may be higher or lower than the costs represented here. Emergency room cost estimates include facility charge and initial physician consultation.

**Check your official health plan documents to see what services and providers are covered by your health plan. Virtual visits are not an insurance product, health care provider or a health plan. Unless otherwise required, benefits are available only when services are delivered through a Designated Virtual Network Provider. Virtual visits are not intended to address emergency or life-threatening medical conditions and should not be used in those circumstances. Services may not be available at all times or in all locations.

By Lou Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— You see, as one hymn writer put it: I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore, very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more, but the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry, from the waters lifted me, now safe am I….  Yes, Love lifted me, when nothing else could help… Love lifted me…”  Death bound me with chains, and the floods of ungodliness mounted a massive attack against me. Trapped and helpless, I struggled against the ropes that drew me on to death. In my distress I screamed to the Lord for his help. And he heard me from heaven; my cry reached his ears [Psalm 18:4-6]. “Amazing grace—how sweet the sound—that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.”[Amazing Grace – John Newton].

And what I see is that Sin has many people today shackled, bound, disenfranchised, and incarcerated. Despite how many times we might say, “This is the last time I will do this.” It is often that very thing we find ourselves doing! Paul wrote in [Romans 7:19-21], “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. Paul even asks in [Romans 7:24], “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”

 I submit to you today my brothers and sisters, freedom can be attained. For th Lord says, “Come now, and let us reason together, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool [Isaiah 1:18]. Tell me, what is it that is keeping you from walking out of your prison doors? Jesus wants you to be free [Acts 16:16-34]. Don’t you want to be freed from your shackles today?

If so, do what David did in [2 Samuel 12]. Come clean with God. Ask God for forgiveness. Own responsibility for your sin. Accept God’s forgiveness and cleansing. Request a fresh work of grace. Then resolve to use past failures for ministry. David tells God, when you do this new work in me “then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. Open my lips, Lord and my mouth will declare your praise. [v. 13, 15].

Over and over in Scripture we are reminded that we serve a God who, although doesn’t treat sin lightly, understands that we are mortal and struggle with sin. And out of His love for us, He wants to forgive us. I want you to know that God promises forgiveness for our sins.  Jesus said in John 8:36, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

I admonish you to “Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.” [Isaiah 55:6-7]

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9]

“ …Let us contend together; state your case, that you may be acquitted.” [Isaiah 43:25-26]

“Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.” [Revelation 7:12]

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— There are three topics you’re not supposed to discuss in polite conversation: religion, politics, and money. Luckily, this isn’t a conversation, and we’re not super strict on politeness either. So while there’s plenty to be said about all three topics, we’re particularly interested in money—more specifically, what people are googling about money.

After all, if you can just google your questions about money (or lack thereof), why would you need a financial advisor?

OK, there are a lot of reasons to use a financial advisor (more on that below). For now, have fun learning which financial questions people who live near you are googling most often.

Our methods

We turned to Google Trends and gathered all the financial topics people are googling. Then we looked at their search popularity based on geography. What we discovered are the most googled financial topics by state during the past year.

Interesting correlations and key findings

1. Income tax was the most googled term in 23 states. That’s a very high percentage, but perhaps not as surprising when you remember that new tax laws took effect this year.
2. New York’s most googled term was estate planning. That’s probably partly because the state ranks among the top ten worst for estate tax laws. It’s also likely because New York City is home to more millionaires than any other place in the world.¹
3. Retirement was the most googled term in Wyoming, the state with the fastest growing senior population in the United States.
4. DC (not technically a state, but included like it is for our purposes) had a five-way tie for the most googled terms. Those top contenders were beneficiaries, long-term care, emergency fund, debt, and retirement.
5. Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Washington all googled “mortgage” the most, possibly because they’re among the top 10 fastest growing states in the US.

In addition to googling financial terms, we found people are searching for answers to many of the same questions on Google. Here are a few of the most-asked financial questions, along with their answers:

Why do I need mortgage insurance?

Mortgage insurance protects your home lender in case you default on the loan—basically, if you can’t make payments, they can recoup their losses through the insurance policy. Most lenders require you to have mortgage insurance if they lend you more than 80% of the home’s value.

Here’s where saving comes in handy: If you can put at least a 20% down payment on the home, you won’t typically need mortgage insurance. And, even if you can’t get the full 20% right away, once you reach it through payments, you can apply and usually are allowed to drop the mortgage insurance, as long as you have been making your payments on time.

How do income taxes work?

Oh, it’s super simple. Well, the principle is simple. The federal income tax is a percentage of money that the government takes out of (“withholds” from) each paycheck you get from your employer. Come every April 15, you settle accounts to make sure you paid enough. If you paid too much throughout the year, you get a refund. If you paid too little, you owe Uncle Sam some dough.

Can college students get Medicaid?

It’s not impossible, but it’s uncommon for a college student to get Medicaid. Eligibility depends on income and varies by state, so if your family is at a lower income level, you’re more likely to qualify for Medicaid. To learn about your eligibility for Medicaid, you can check here.

What is an estate plan?

An estate plan is created to make sure all your possessions and money are handed out the way you want when you die. Estate planning can be complicated, involving all sorts of moving pieces like trusts, or it can be relatively simple, including a will and a life insurance policy for your family.

Are childcare expenses tax deductible?

They can be, as long as the child is 12 or under (older if they have a disability). Expenses like babysitters, daycare centers, or even housekeepers that care for your child can all apply toward a tax credit.

Wrap-up

Google is a fantastic tool, but when it comes to finances, it can’t tell you everything. That’s why a financial advisor comes in handy. Whether it’s taxes, getting out of debt, investing, estate planning, or all of the above, a financial advisor can help get your money and your life on track. If nothing else, they’ll have better advice than “buy low, sell high” or “buy term, invest the rest.”

Are you surprised by our results? Have you typed some of these questions into Google yourself when you were looking for answers? Let us know in the comments!

By Tanu Henry | California Black Media

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— A little over 2.2 million African Americans call California home.

Of that number, 72 percent lives in southern California with the greatest concentration (about 36 percent) in Los Angeles County, followed by the Inland Empire, and then, the San Diego area.

The other 28 percent lives in the northern part of the state with the densest clusters of African Americans in and around the Bay Area, and a little bit east, centered around Sacramento and Central Valley.

California also has the fifth highest number of Blacks in the United States.

But when you look at percentages, California’s Black population compared to the total state population, makes up a little over 6.6 percent of the almost 40 million people living in the Golden State – ranking it 31st in the nation.

Two new reports, “Counting Black California” and “The State of Blacks In California” provided most of those numbers above and they dissect them in interesting ways, too. Created to instruct and support the work media publications, public affairs firms, community groups and others will do to educate Californians about participating in the 2020 Census, the surveys provide hyper-localized data on where Blacks live, who they are and a gives a scale of the areas of the state that census workers have had the hardest time counting with accuracy in the past.

The other 28 percent lives in the northern part of the state with the densest clusters of African Americans in and around the Bay Area, and a little bit east, centered around Sacramento and Central Valley.

California also has the fifth highest number of Blacks in the United States.

But when you look at percentages, California’s Black population compared to the total state population, makes up a little over 6.6 percent of the almost 40 million people living in the Golden State – ranking it 31st in the nation.

Two new reports, “Counting Black California” and “The State of Blacks In California” provided most of those numbers above and they dissect them in interesting ways, too. Created to instruct and support the work media publications, public affairs firms, community groups and others will do to educate Californians about participating in the 2020 Census, the surveys provide hyper-localized data on where Blacks live, who they are and a gives a scale of the areas of the state that census workers have had the hardest time counting with accuracy in the past.

“We approached this project thinking, ‘which data will be most useful to our network and partners when they are creating content to get the word out about the 2020 Census?,’” said Regina Wilson, Executive Director of California Black Media which commissioned the “Counting Black California” report.

“We’re equipping our network. We have a combined reach of more than 1 million people in the state – through print, digital and broadcast media,” Wilson said. “Now, they have the info they will need to develop super-targeted content for every segment of Black Californians living in every corner of the state.”

The “Counting Black California” report offers a county-by-county breakdown of demographic details and other data, including inflows of federal dollars into California and how many Blacks in the state are foreign born. It also identifies 8,057 census tracts in the state and ranks them on a scale from 1 to 9 – from the least to the most likely to respond to next year’s census survey. A number of social and economic factors are used to determine that rating.

“Now editors and journalists can look at a specific neighborhood or even a region, maybe, and find out who lives there, and where, and how difficult that place would be for census workers to count. Then, build a relevant informational campaign based on that knowledge,” said Walter Hawkins, a senior research associate at NewHawk, a southern California-based data collection firm. He conducted the research for the “Counting Black California” report.

“The State of Blacks in California” report provides “quality of life” data like income, marital status, poverty rates, levels of education, etc., that can be layered on top of the information in “Counting Black California” to gain a sense of the psychographics of Black California.

“Our report provides a deeper snapshot of the communities that have the largest Black populations in the state as well as the factors that need to be considered when engaging Black Californians,” said Kellie Todd, who authored the report. She is the founder of Sistallect, Inc., a statewide organization created to empower women of color.

“Although the Black community in California is concentrated in 10 counties, connecting with residents can be difficult without understanding that there are geographical and cultural differences from region to region, city to city, and even from neighborhood to neighborhood,” said Todd. “Using a coalition approach has proven to be the most effective way, as well as partnering with local Black media outlets, to have maximum impact.”

“The State of Blacks in California” report is packed with stats that reveal pertinent tidbits about different communities. For example, African Americans in Contra Costa, Orange and Solano counties have the highest average income in the state – all three at $53k – but Orange County has the lowest Black poverty rate at 15 percent. Orange County also has the most African Americans with college degrees (37 percent) followed by Contra Costa County (25 percent).

“There are so many exciting ways the end user can slice and dice the information in both reports,” said Wilson. “It arms us with everything we need to know to run a strong Census 2020 education campaign. It gives us really actionable data that allows us to effectively follow-through, check how well we’re doing and change course if we need to.”

https://www.sobwca.com/report-outs-1

https://www.sobwca.com/

By Lou Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)—Now I know that for many of you Fathers’ Day is not easy. Some of you had bad relationships with your fathers. A few of you may not have known your Dad – even if you lived with him. And this day  is difficult for some of you because your dad is no longer here. Some of you have a dad who has deserted you. Some have abusive or violent fathers. But I want you to know that you are a child of the Most High and he loves you soooo much and he would never leave you or treat you badly. Believe that!

Now I know being a Dad isn’t easy these days because there are some dads who feel discouraged and others who’ve been dissed by their kids. But my message to the Father’s today, is to step it up, man up, be strong, and  be courageous. Wear the pants! You got to know that there is an epidemic of weakness that is sweeping into our family. Yes its true, that the culture is infiltrating the family, leaving some fearful of leading and making decisions, but I tell you God is looking for you [men] to step up to the plate and be who He has intended you to be. Children are out of control and needing role models. Your wives need you to be godly. Your children are needing you to be godly. Your church is needing you to be godly. Every avenue of your life cry for you to be godly. Families are falling apart- Society is suffering because men are failing in their God given roles as spiritual leaders. If you [men] would just be as God intended, you would change this world!

God is looking for some men to take back their homes, their churches, their communities for Jesus Christ and snatch some from the flames of Hell as God leads them. Do you want to be a part of that moment of God? If so, take back the power God gave you. You are to lead your family (by example). First, you are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul. Second, Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church. Third, you are to train up your child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it. Step up, man up, be strong,  be courageous, wear the pants! Understanding that instructions and disciplines should be in the love that Christ has for us and that you should never present yourself as the ultimate authority that rules with an iron fist.That’s it and that’s all!

Now for those of you who don’t have a Father…I want to leave you with a love letter from God…. You may not know me, but I know everything about you …I know when you sit down and when you rise up …I am familiar with all your ways …Even the very hairs on your head are numbered …For you were made in my image …In me you live and move and have your being …For you are my offspring…I knew you even before you were conceived …I chose you when I planned creation …You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book …I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live …You are fearfully and wonderfully made …I knit you together in your mother’s womb …And brought you forth on the day you were born …I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me …I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love …And it is my desire to lavish my love on you …Simply because you are my child and I am your father …I offer you more than your earthly father ever could …For I am the perfect father…Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand …For I am your provider and I meet all your needs …My plan for your future has always been filled with hope …Because I love you with an everlasting love …My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore And I rejoice over you with singing …I will never stop doing good to you …For you are my treasured possession …I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul …And I want to show you great and marvelous things …If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me …Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart …For it is I who gave you those desires … I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine …For I am your greatest encourager …I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles …When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you …As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes …And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth …I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus …For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed …He is the exact representation of my being …He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you …And to tell you that I am not counting your sins …Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled …His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you … I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love …If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me …And nothing will ever separate you from my love again …Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen …I have always been Father, and will always be Father …My question is…Will you be my child? …I am waiting for you…Love, Your Dad. Almighty God

The ache in your heart that convinces you that there is more to this life than what you can see Ecc 3:11 can begin to be fulfilled now by reconnecting to our Father God, maker of heaven and earth who created us and all humanity to walk in the garden with Himself. The Father awaits you.

By Lou Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— …that the Consequence of Sin is Death, “but” The Gift of God is Eternal Life in Christ Jesus! “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked….” [Galatians 6:7]. Playing games with God is a very dangerous situation. Living in and Out of Sin is a very dangerous situation. Don’t play games with the God of your Salvation! Don’t play games with Sin! Because God’s Law of Harvest cannot be broken,and you cannot neglect God’s law without consequences [Hebrew 2: 2-3].

I tell you, for this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?  Understand, if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. [Hebrew 10: 26-29]. Jesus said that your soul is worth more than the rest of the world put together. He asked, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36)

Listen, the consequence of suppressing the truth is that God gives the sinner over to “The Sinful Desires of Their Hearts,” “Shameful Lusts” and “A Depraved Mind” [Romans 1:24-28].  I tell you, it is a fearful thing to be “Given Over” to your own destructive ways. God has made it clear that “The Soul Who Sins Will Die” [Ezekiel 18:4].  What shall you do?’” The answer, simple yet profound: “Repent!” 

As [Proverbs 8: 32-36] says, “Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.” 

Although this message has been preached for 2,000 years. It has been ignored by most of those that have heard it. It is still being ignored in this day, and it will be ignored during the dark days of the Tribulation, but as an Ambassador for Christ it is my duty to remind you of the “Final Proclamation” [Revelation Chapter 14].

Repent, Repent, Repent!

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: [Deuteronomy 30:19]

By Tanu Henry | California Black Media

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— How did Kimberly Ellis, an African-American, progressive Democrat and Bay Area grassroots activist, lose her second bid for chair of the California Democratic Party (CDP)?

During her last run for the job in 2017, Eric Bauman, who resigned amid sexual harassment allegations last November, only beat Ellis by a razor thin margin of 62 votes. Her near-win two years ago emboldened her supporters – their candidate could become the first Black woman to serve in the state party’s executive role in more than 30 years.

Depending on who’s responding, each answer to the question about Ellis’ loss falls somewhere between deepening fault lines of race, gender and politics that seem to be testing the strength of the Democratic Party, foreshadowing divisions that could open up even more as the party moves toward the 2020 election primary season.

Echoes of the Bernie vs. Biden rift between grassroots progressives and establishment Democrats and rumblings about the persistent marginalization of women voters and candidates all seemed to be playing out locally in the politics leading up to this year’s CDP elections.

Many African-American Democrats attending the convention, especially the women who voted for and supported Ellis, say their frustration with the party’s leadership’s routine neglect of African-American issues and candidates is reaching its peak.

“Kimberly Ellis’ campaign gave us all insight into the inner working of CDP and its voting bodies,” said K. Patrice Williams, an African-American woman and delegate from Solano County. “A world of special elections, held in January during off years on weekends between 10 and 1 PM, of which Black and Brown voters were not aware. We have now received a painful lesson in the world of super-delegates. State and federal elected officials that refused to vote for the most qualified, solutions-focused candidate who happened to be an intelligent, dynamic Black Woman.”

The CDP held the vote for chair this past weekend during the state party annual convention themed “Blue Wave Rolling” at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.

More than 3,000 delegates voted Saturday night. Of that number, about 57 percent cast their ballots for the winning candidate, Rusty Hicks, a prominent union leader from Los Angeles, backed by a majority of elected officials, most of the state’s organized labor groups and several influential party insiders.

Ellis, who secured the support of the Bernie Sanders-affiliated “Our Revolution,” other progressive and moderate Democratic groups, and a cross-section of African-American and other women voters, lost to Hicks by at least 25 percentage points. About 36 percent of delegates voted for her.

The remaining votes were spread among five other candidates who contested, including current state party vice chairman, Daraka Larimore-Hall. About six percent of the delegates voted for him.

The CDP held its annual convention this year in the midst of a firestorm of racial discrimination and sexual harassment allegations that have unsettled the party and resulted in a leadership crisis since former chair, Bauman’s resignation last year. In April, Tina McKinnor, an African-American woman and former operations director of the CDP, cited several incidents of alleged racial discrimination in a lawsuit she filed against the organization. Two men, John Vigna, former communications director, and a party activist, Spencer Dayton, have also filed separate lawsuits against the CDP, claiming former chair, Bauman sexually assaulted them.

For some of the Black women Democrats who supported Ellis, her loss is as a stinging reminder. Although their ballots often represent the deciding vote in critical national and local elections, Black women candidates typically have had a harder time attracting broad enough support from other voting blocs to win statewide races.

“If I, as a young Black woman in this party, can’t see myself in leadership, then what’s the point?” Dallas Fowler, an African-American woman and a delegate from Los Angeles told the LA Times. “This is a majority-minority state, and until our party really shows up and puts our money and our time and our muscle behind these communities to ensure that we have adequate representation, we’re not going to see that.”

The CDP is also facing an internal uprising, according to some of its more left-leaning members, because they sense the state party priorities increasingly reflect the wish lists of big donors and corporations rather than the interests of members, who do the ground work to elect Democratic candidates during elections and who fight for Party ideals everyday.

“We say that we support campaign finance reform,” said Ellis, who stresses that she did not accept any corporate donations for her campaign. “I think it’s a fair question for us to ask, what are we doing as a state party to advance that value?”

Ellis, whose Facebook bio reads “Disrputor-In-Chief @Unbought-Unbossed” also touts herself as an independent advocate for the average Democrat, including young people, women, minorities and other groups who feel left out by the party’s establishment.

In his acceptance speech, Hicks, current president of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, said his plans as CDP chair include a zero tolerance policy on sexual harassment, an effort to unite various factions of the party – including progressive Democrats, who supported Ellis – and preparation for the Democratic primary in March and national elections in November.

“We should embrace the passion that comes into the party, and also remember what our party is singularly focused on – and that’s seeing a change in the White House in 2020,” he said.

Ellis congratulated Hicks and thanked her supporters and the delegates who voted for her in a statement she shared the morning after the election.

“Party politics is always going to be tough and often disappointing,” she said. “But great change is never easy. So many delegates put a tremendous amount on the line in the face of extraordinary pressure. Certainly, there are challenges for us ahead, and I hope our new chair can bring harmony to our party during these difficult times.”

For Ellis’ supporters, their fight for equity and recognition in the CDP is just beginning.

“I’m offended, hurt and ready to mobilize our voting power,” said Williams.

By California Black Media Staff

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— Here’s an update on five pieces of California state legislation that could have impact on the conduct of your local police and the way you live. –  from how (and how much) you get paid, to the school you select for your children and where you reside (or invest) in rental property.   

AB 392

The California Act to Save Lives may soon be law. After police groups dropped their opposition to the bill authored by Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) last week, a majority of lawmakers came out to support it. If passed, the bill will change the standards for police use of force in California and hold officers more accountable if a suspect is shot. It would also be one of the toughest laws in the country intended to discourage the use of lethal force by police. Weber, who is also chair of the legislative Black Caucus, introduced the bill after police officers shot and killed Stephon Alonzo Clark, a 22-year-old African American man, in the backyard of his grandparents home in Sacramento. With the new changes to the language in the law, the bill stands a fair chance of passing the Senate and making it to the governor’s desk for his signature. Black Lives Matter and some family members of victims dropped their support after Weber made the changes to the language. They say the amended legislation isn’t as strong or specific enough, and is open to interpretation by the courts.  Other family members of victims have maintained their support, saying they understand negotiation is part of the legislative process. “I kept saying I wanted a bill that would make it safe behind and in front of the badge,” said Weber, thanking her colleagues and supporters after the bill passed in the Assembly.

AB 5 – Worker Status: Employees and Freelancers

Wednesday last week, the state Assembly voted 59-15 to pass AB 5. If signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the legislation will make if tougher for companies to enter contracts with freelancers and could affect hundreds of thousands of “gig economy” workers across the state, including nail technicians, Uber drivers, Amazon delivery workers and even exotic dancers. Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) introduced the legislation, also known as the “Dynamex Bill” or the “Employee Misclassification bill.” By writing into law specific rules and penalties, AB 5 builds on a California Supreme Court 2018 decision that instructed business to apply an “ABC” test to determine whether a worker is a freelancer or employee. For a worker to be classified as a freelancer, employees would have to prove that the worker is (A) not under the contracting company’s control, (B) is doing work that is not central to the company’s business, and (C) has an independent business providing a service. If workers don’t meet those requirements, companies would have to provide all the required pay and benefits under California law like overtime pay, minimum wage, workers compensation, employee insurance, paid parental leave and healthcare subsidies. Leaders from various industries throughout the state are lobbying Lawmakers in Sacramento to retain the ability to hire certain kinds of freelancers that are critical for their particular trade or businesses. The bill has now moved to the Senate for review.

SB 756 – Charter School Moratorium

Last week, Sen. Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) sidelined her own charter school Bill, SB 756. Her proposal called for a 5-year moratorium on charter schools. By temporarily halting the legislation and moving it to an “inactive file,” she has a chance to re-introduce it next year. For the last few months, hundreds of Black parents of charter school students have been campaigning against several charter school laws that were making their way through the state legislature. Together, the proposals sought to slow the growth, take away legal rights and restrict the operations of the independently run, taxpayer funded public schools in the state. Last month, the Assembly passed two of the bills, AB 1505 and AB 1507. The Senate is expected to review and vote on the bills shortly. The California branches of both the National Urban League and the National Action Network opposed the package of bills, including Durazo’s, saying they are attempts to take away education options for Black families who live in neighborhoods where traditional public schools have failed their children for more than 30 years now.   In California, about 80 percent of Black students score below the state standard in math and 68 percent fail to meet the English Language Arts requirements. The state chapter of the NAACP supported the bills, arguing that charter schools take away resources from district-run public schools and that they may lead to the re-segregation of public education in America.  In California, about 50,000 African-American students attend charter schools. That’s about 8 percent of the total Black student population enrolled in public schools.  Gov. Gavin Newsom has commissioned a task force to investigate the impact charter schools have on public education in California. If Sen. Durazo re-introduces the bill, hopefully by then California voters will have access to the findings of the governor’s study to make a more informed decision on whether or not to support SB 756.

AB 1506 – Charter School Cap

Like Sen. Durazo’s charter school bill in the Senate, a similar proposal in the Assembly, AB 1506, called for a moratorium on charter schools in the state. Both the state NAACP and the California Teachers Association supported the legislation introduced by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), who is African-American and a member of the Assembly Education Committee and the Legislative Black Caucus. The National Action Network and the National Urban League wrote an open letter to Gov. Newsom opposing the bill.  Last week, a day after Durazo sidelined her bill, McCarty decided to hold his from a floor vote, although it had already been approved by the Education Committee earlier this year. Responding to McCarty’s decision to shelve AB 1506 for now,  Myrna Castrejón, president and CEO of the California Charter Schools Association issued a statement. “Charter public school families’ voices were heard loud and clear by Sacramento politicians,” she said.  “We cannot and will not accept legislation that limits access to great public schools.”

AB 1482 – Rent Cap

Wednesday evening last week, the Assembly passed AB 1482, a statewide rent cap bill, with a 43-28 vote. Introduced by Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco), the bill prohibits landlords from raising rents above 7 percent per year, plus annual cost of living increases. Selling the legislation to his colleagues in the Assembly, Chiu talked about the high cost of living in California and urged legislators to take action to protect people who are often a rent hike away from eviction. “They are our neighbors,” he said. “They are our co-workers. They are our brothers and sisters. They are our grandparents.” Since introducing the bill, Chiu has made several changes to it in negotiations with landlord and realtor groups to gain their support. The rent cap, which sets itself to expire in 2023, covers single family homes and condos – even in areas with existing local rent control laws. It exempts landlords with no more than 10 single family homes and properties that are under 10 years old. AB 1482 is expected to undergo more amendments in the Senate.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK)— Brown Sugar, the popular subscription video on demand service from Bounce, is kicking off summer with a fresh lineup of titles to celebrate the season.

June is Black Music Month and to honor the occasion, Brown Sugar has curated a series of films from music legends such as Prince: Purple Rain, Michael Jackson: The Journey, Beyoncé: On Top, Rihanna: No Regrets and Winans: The Lost Concert.

For Father’s Day, consumers can explore the “Brown Sugar Daddies” collection of movies featuring influential father figures: Hotel Rwanda (Don Cheadle), Sounder (Paul Winfield) and The River Niger(James Earl Jones) as well as Season six of the Bounce original series Family Time (Omar Gooding).

Debuting on the service this month are new titles including Ali: A Living Legend (Muhammad Ali), Before They Were Kings: Vol 1 (Chris Rock), Before They Were Kings: Vol 2 (Dave Chappelle), Laff Mobb’s We Got Next (Brely Evans), Sudie and Simpson (Louis Gossett Jr.) and The Other Brother (Mekhi Phifer).

Popular returning titles in June are Foxy Brown (Pam Grier), Truck Turner (Isaac Hayes), Cooley High(Glynn Turman), The Mighty Quinn (Denzel Washington) and The Black Godfather (Rod Perry).

Viewers can watch these films and countless others on Brown Sugar along with complete seasons of top-rated Bounce originals such as Saints & Sinners, In The Cut and Last Call.

Brown Sugar is available on Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, Comcast Xfinity X1, Amazon Channels, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Kindle, Android and Apple smartphones and tablets and web browsers via BrownSugar.com. There is a free 7-day initial trial period for subscribers with a retail price of $3.99/month thereafter. Visitwww.BrownSugar.com for more information.