WSSN Stories

By Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media

Rae Benjamin, a Los Angeles resident and writer for the Netflix series “The Witcher,” is among more than 11,000 members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) participating in a strike that has disrupted film and television production.

For almost a week now, writers have been picketing major studios in Los Angeles and New York City, after failing to reach a new contract agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

The writers’ contracts expired on May 1 and negotiations with the Film and Motion Picture Association (FMPA) have not resulted in an agreement.

“For me, streaming residuals are really important,” stated Benjamin, one of the few Black writers in the union.

“Whenever they re-air an episode television writers would get a check based upon that,” she explained. “When network shows were the only options, content was constantly re-aired, and it really rewarded people who worked on a popular show. You could be making money from that show, years and years later, because it’s in syndication.”

Benjamin says the compensation structure is different for streaming companies like Netflix.

“They refuse to release data on how many people actually watch your shows, even though it’s easy to do. Because they’re refusing to do that we could not get accurately paid for our work. We can’t get paid the residuals and streaming that we’re owed,” she said.

In the past decade, streaming platforms, particularly Netflix, have disrupted the traditional cable television model by producing new shows with shorter seasons in an effort to attract new subscribers.

Last week, the AMPTP offered annual salary increases for writers and made other concessions, but the WGA has yet to respond to the proposal.

“When you see what was put on the table, and then you see that the producers negated most things, even proposals such as making sure that we’ll have jobs and not robots take our jobs, and there’s no proposal for that No. counter for that,” said Benjamin. “It’s a little scary to think that, hey, there’s an AI that might be able to write your entire show, and no one seems to be fretted about that at all.”

In a statement, AMPTP acknowledged that the emergence of Artificial Intelligence technology “requires a lot more discussion.”

“AI raises hard, important creative and legal questions for everyone. For example, writers want to be able to use this technology as part of their creative process, without changing how credits are determined, which is complicated given AI material can’t be copyrighted, the statement reads.

WGA’s proposal stipulated, “AI can’t write or rewrite literary material, can’t be used as source material; and MBA (Minimum Basic Agreement) covered material can’t be used to train AI.” AMPTP rejected the offer and countered with an offer of “annual meetings to discuss advancements in technology.”

AMPTP did not make a counteroffer regarding proposals about duration of employment, which the writers say is too short and akin to freelance work.

“On network shows we would typically be employed for a long time, because there were more episodes. It would be 20 to 30 episodes of the show, which means you were employed 40 to 45 weeks out of the year,” said Benjamin. “We would just take a break in between seasons and come back. So being a writer was a very stable career. Now, because of extremely short orders of streaming shows, it’s become more unstable. Worse than that, these companies don’t want to hire people for a reasonable amount of time to complete a show.”

Benjamin says showrunners and show creators cut corners by hiring writers for a short time then build on their work with rewrites and edits.

“The actual writers get a job for two weeks, which is very little pay,” she said. “I think it also disproportionately affects Black creatives, because a lot of times they’ll hire us to do the cheapest amount of labor.”

West Hills-based writer Sid Quashie told the Los Angeles times he made $250,000 for a script he sold to Walt Disney Studios in 2003. Sixteen years later in 2019, when he sold a script to Netflix, he made under $100,000.

In 2007, the WGA went on a 100-day strike that cost the city of Los Angeles an estimated $2.1 billion and countless jobs as all corners of the industry and others adjacent to it were impacted.

Only one week into the 2023 strike, there are already casualties.  Late night shows were canceled abruptly. Daily shows stopped. Productions for all shows are tenuous, with many on pause.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, who have received support from both sides of the dispute, have expressed their concerns and are advocating for a resolution.

Newsom said Tuesday at the Milken Institute Global Conference that the work stoppage “has profound consequences direct and indirect. Every single one of us will be impacted by this, and we’re very concerned about what is going on because both sides are dug in. The stakes are high.”

“Los Angeles relies on a strong entertainment industry that is the envy of the world while putting Angelenos to work in good middle class jobs. I encourage all sides to come together around an agreement that protects our signature industry and the families it supports,” Mayor Bass said.

In the short term, streaming platforms with more scripts banked may have an advantage, as they can continue their productions. Daily and weekly cable shows are at the greatest risk. During the last writer strikes, the producers turned to unscripted content, leading the creation of the reality show Cops and even The Celebrity Apprentice.

The Directors Guild and Screen Actors Guild are also in negotiations, with contracts set to expire at the end of June.

By Lou K Coleman

Then suddenly, after all the warnings, a day will dawn that will start like any other day, but before that day is over, you will be face to face with God. Are you ready for that day? For, in one day, in one hour, God’s judgment will fall. [Revelation 18:8, 10, 17, 19].

For many people this will be the saddest day ever because they did not prepare themselves for this day. They did not repent, were not baptized, and did not accept Jesus as their personal savior. They will be likened to the “Five Foolish Virgins” of [Matthew 25:1-10] that failed to prepare their lamps before the Bridegroom came and missed out on the wedding feast. What Tragedy! The smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever. And they have no rest day nor night. [Revelation 14:11].

Listen, as God through Pilate gave Israel one last chance before consigning the nation to perpetual judgment. [John 19:8-16] He is giving you one last chance to repent.  The parable’s lesson in [Luke chapter 13] is that mercy and grace are available to all who will come to Christ IN TIME. Because eventually time runs out. [Hebrews 9:27]. This message is an urgent call for you to use the second chance wisely.

Understand that it is only the forbearance of God that stands between you and eternal damnation. You are living on borrowed time. Opportunity to repent does not last forever. For He said to the vineyard-keeper, “Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! [Luke 13:7].

I want you to know that in life there are windows of opportunity. Once those windows close, opportunities are gone.  God’s patience won’t last forever.  The window is closing. The opportunity is passing. Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, the unrighteous man his thought, let him return to the Lord and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” [Isaiah 55:6-7].

Consider today with some urgency your eternal life. Tomorrow is not promised. Learn the lesson of the Ten Virgins [Matthew 25:1]. The Foolish were not in the bridal procession and they hadn’t been in the closed-door celebration. Why will you die? Repent and live! Give, your life to Jesus NOW! Don’t delay! For I declares says the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of anyone. [Ezekiel 18:30].

I tell you; your whole life is about to change. Get under the Almighty wings for cover. For NOW, is the Appointed Time. NOW is the Day of Salvation! [2 Corinthians 6:2]. Do not wait! Do not postpone the matter any longer! “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found; call ye upon Him while He is near” [Isaiah 55:6].

Repent and Live! The clock is ticking down from God’s Two-Minute Warning and the window to change is closing. Don’t be another Belshazzar who waited until it was too late! Only if he’d repented, God probably would have spared his life. God spared the King of Nineveh, which had 40 days till destruction; God spared King Manasseh who had done the most terrible things of anyone in the Old Testament! But Belshazzar went on in arrogance with his charade and died that night. [Daniel 5:1-30]. Don’t you do it! Repent and live! For the judgment of God is serious business.

We’ve Been Warned! – 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2…!

By Tanu Henry and Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Last week was Black Health Advocacy Week and Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber delivered the keynote speech at the California Black Health Network’s (CBHN) 40th anniversary celebration in Sacramento.

“When you talk about health issues and the challenge of health, we are a large portion of that issue. So, it becomes important that we raise our voice and don’t just be quiet when these things happen because they have impact on the future,” said Weber at the event.

CBHN is an organization that is dedicated to “advancing health equity for Black and Brown communities” in California.

Last month, Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) introduced Assembly Resolution (ACR) 53 to establish last week as Black Health Advocacy week.

“This measure would recognize May 1, 2023, to May 5, 2023, inclusive, and every first week of May thereafter, as Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, and commend the California Black Health Network and other organizations throughout the state for their efforts to improve the health, well-being, and life expectancy of Black Californians,” the resolution language reads.

By Lou K Coleman

Wake up! Watchmen’s are sending out the warnings and blowing shofars. America is in trouble. What we’re seeing in America is the death of morality. What we’re seeing in America is the death of biblical standards. Morality and biblical commitment are fading in our nation and fading before our very eyes and God is not pleased. America is caught in the doomsday cycle. We are a dying nation in a world of dying nations and dying people.

And in [Isaiah chapter 5], it is showing us what to expect, giving us a truest picture, a divine insight to understand what’s going on in our country, a model of glorious beginnings and disastrous endings, a model of apostasy, a model of decline, a model of starting with the glorious truth of God and ending up in the judgment of God. Wake up! Being oblivious of the obvious will cause you to lose your life.

In [1 Corinthians chapter 10], the apostle Paul said that the Old Testament was written to give us examples. There was a people given everything by God to assure a glorious future. But they, too, followed the same cycle and ended up in tragic judgment.

I tell you, this nation is in the throes of its death. We’re going down, and it’s not political and economic; and it’s not partisan; it’s the rise of sin – defiant sin and the disregard for God’s Word that is taking us down. Wake up!

For He says in [Proverbs 1:24-31] “Because I called and you refused, I stretched out My hand and no one paid attention and you neglected all My counsel and did not want my reproof, I will even laugh at your calamity, I will mock when your dread comes. When your dread comes like a storm and your calamity comes on like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come on you, you will call on Me, but I will not answer, you will seek Me diligently, but you shall not find Me because you hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord. You shall eat of the fruit of you own way and be satiated with your own desires.”

Listen, there is always an outpouring, and it is called mercy before trouble comes. I believe and I’m trembling as I’m saying this that we’re entering in a season where God is asking us to take this time seriously because time is running out. Don’t wait until its too late because the sirens are getting louder and louder. Doomsday is around the corner and Christ is soon to return. The situation in the world has become so unstable that catastrophe could happen at any moment.

It’s “Two Minutes Till Midnight” [1 Peter 4:7-11]. Repent and give your life to Jesus NOW! Don’t wait until it’s too late! The Bible urges us to have a sense of urgency, and it describes the suddenness of end-time catastrophes. prophecies that warn of how quickly disaster can [and will] come in the end times. Read it for yourself [Isaiah 5:26; Jeremiah 4:20; 6:26; Isaiah 30:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:3]. And as [Matthew 24:22] reveals, without divine intervention, a coming time of war and destruction would destroy all human life. What are your waiting for? Give your life to Christ today! Because not only are we warned from the Word of God, but “Scientists even revealed on Tuesday, January 24th, 2023, that the “Doomsday Clock” has been moved up to 90 seconds before midnight — the closest humanity has ever been to Armageddon. Before 2020, the closest the hand was set to midnight was two minutes. The Doomsday Clock serves as a warning, according to man, of how close the world is to self-annihilation caused by human activity. Midnight is considered the end of all human life.”

Rachel Bronson, the president of The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, who unveiled this year’s Doomsday Clock set at 100 seconds to midnight, said “It is the first time the measurement was released in seconds, indicating that the “current environment is profoundly unstable and URGENT ACTION and IMMEDIATE engagement is required by all.”

Also, in the press conference for this year’s Doomsday Clock, former California Governor Jerry Brown likened the scientists’ warning to “VOICES OF THE PROPHETS OF DOOM.” He said that “speaking of danger and destruction is never very easy—if you speak the truth, people will not want to listen, because it’s too awful.” He went on to say that the prophets of old, like Isaiah and Jeremiah, were ignored as well. And as well all know, the warnings of the Old Testament prophets were not just for their time. They also apply to our time [Isaiah 30:8; Daniel 12:9; Habakkuk 2:2-3].

Listen, everything is aligning closely with many prophesied signs of the end times found in the Bible. So how should you respond?. The Bible urges to have a sense of urgency. It describes the suddenness of end-time catastrophes.

The enemy nations will come “from the end of the earth; surely they shall come with speed, swiftly” [Isaiah 5:26], causing great destruction [Jeremiah 4:20; 6:26]. Setting them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts [Malachi 4:1–3, 5].

So, whatcha gonna do? For this is the day of redemption. This is the day of opportunity. This is the day to bear the fruit of repentance. This is the day to be saved from destruction. Whatcha gonna do?

“When you tell them all this, they will not listen to you; when you call to them, they will not answer. [Jeremiah 7:27].

And just as I had called and they would not listen, so when they call, I will not listen, says the LORD of Hosts. [Zechariah 7:13].

The people missed the opportunity to be saved from both earthly and eternal destruction. [Luke 19:41-44]. Tragedy!

By Anna Lee Mraz | Special to California Black Media Partners

The fifth of May, Cinco de Mayo, is a holiday that celebrates the Battle of Puebla, which took place in 1862 near the Mexican city of Puebla. On this day, the Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated the French in their attempt to take over the country.

While this date is not widely celebrated in Mexico, except for perhaps in Puebla itself, it has become a popular holiday in the United States.

It’s a common misconception that Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s independence. In fact, Mexico’s Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th.

In 1867, five years after the Mexican army’s victory over the French forces at Puebla, the triumph was first celebrated in the United States, in Texas where General Zaragoza was born. Later in 1930, the Mexican consulate in Los Angeles held an official celebration that helped establish the identity of the Mexican and Latin American community in the United States.

During the 1960s and 1970s, the celebration of Cinco de Mayo gained popularity in the United States due to the efforts of the Chicano movement. This movement fought for the civil and human rights of Mexican Americans and played an important role in structuring the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo became a way for the Mexican American community to assert their identity and say “We, Mexicans, are here. This is us. We speak Spanish and this is how we celebrate.”

In 1980, as the Chicano movement was gaining momentum, U.S. beer companies began to market Cinco de Mayo through advertising campaigns that encouraged the community to celebrate their identity by consuming their products.

Subsequently, other companies followed suit giving a twist to the meaning of the celebration and redefining it as a celebration of Mexican culture in the United States. As a result, while Cinco de Mayo is now widely celebrated, many people who participate in the festivities are unaware of its origins.

Cinco de Mayo has evolved to become not only a celebration of Mexican culture but also a symbol of the struggle and unity of all oppressed migrant and Latino communities.

This date is typically celebrated with large festivities that feature Mexican music, traditions, art, food, and beverages.

Rubén Ábrica, mayor of East Palo Alto, pointed out in an interview with Peninsula 360 Press that during the celebrations of Cinco de Mayo “people of Mexican descent celebrate their contributions to the American society and join Latino communities affirming their culture, history, and aspirations for justice and equity for the Latinx community and for the people of the United States and around the world.”

Ábrica acknowledged that the celebration of Cinco de Mayo in East Palo Alto retains its historical significance by inspiring the community to stand up for their rights and fight “against racist oppression and inequality. These issues have caused suffering for many people, particularly those who are people of color and other vulnerable groups.

The Cinco de Mayo holiday provides an opportunity to explore themes of freedom, culture, and identity. By challenging stereotypes and rejecting one-dimensional representations of Mexican culture: tropes like Sombreros, Burros, and Huaraches.

Undoubtedly, the celebration of Cinco de Mayo has deeper roots than being a celebration where Mexican music is played, it must be more than an excuse to drink Tequila or Mezcal (but who needs one, right?), or a marketing strategy for beer companies, and where typical food is consumed.

There is more than one good reason to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year. Acknowledging the value and importance of Mexican Heritage and learning about the rich history of Mexican people in the United States is a worthy endeavor.

Karina Alvarado from Peninsula 360 Press provided information for this article.

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

By Lou K Coleman

Playing among us in real life and ain’t nobody paying attention. Everybody just doing their own thang. Well let me put you on game, before you get your head took off by these cats.

The “Sneak Attack Platoons” [Satan and his minions] is going to lead you into strange pastures where smiling faces will greet you, but in reality, they are awaiting an opportunity to cut your throat and kill you. That’s right! The “Sneak Attach Platoons [Satan and His Minion] wants to destroy and kill you and all of your off springs. So Wake Up and Grid your Loins, [in preparation] because if you don’t you are going to be destroyed. For there is no shame in their game. I tell you the Truth, the Whole Truth and nothing but the Truth, so help me God!

The Sneak Attach Platoons are out to get you! It’s Crunch Time! Crunch time for all human race to Wake Up! The world is telling us what the Bible warned was coming – Prepare for Armageddon! For we are heading for the climax event in this world, the Battle of Armageddon, which the Bible warned was going to take place in the very end times, and the WORLD IS NOW EVEN WARNING of this impending war. “Prepare for Armageddon: China’s warning to the world – A message from President Xi Jinping that is getting louder by the day.

Awake from your slumber and grid your loins! A treacherous time is before us. War and the nations gathering for more war. Economic woes, massive inflation, crime on all sides, wickedness everywhere, natural disasters, famine, etc., etc. We are living in a time like no other before us, and yet just as in the days of Noah and Lot, people continue to ‘eat and drink’ and live as if nothing is going to happen. Wake up! Your salvation draweth nigh!

By Jaivon Grant | California Black Media

Aaron McCall, who coordinates federal advocacy for California Environmental Voters, believes that the environmental protection movement to protect the planet has been viewed primarily through a White-centric perspective.

McCall is committed to shifting this paradigm.

By incorporating environmental justice issues into the national and state-level discussions on climate and conservation, McCall believes he can make a difference. He is also committed to drawing attention to the unique challenges Black and other minorities face as technology rapidly evolves to mitigate the effects of climate change and pollution.

“I really have a passion for environmental issues, specifically because in Oak View, there are a lot of oil rigs and trash refineries. This means the air quality for people living there is a lot lower — mainly Black and Brown people,” said McCall who is a resident of Costa Mesa in Orange County, but frequently visits Oak View – a neighborhood in Huntington Beach, located about eight miles away.

“The priorities are mainly rich and White, which leads to Black people not being at the table to talk about these issues. So, we are often the first to suffer,” he added.

According to McCall, environmentalists, who are predominately wealthy and White, often overlook the damage inflicted on Black and minority communities. Also, businesses pollute minority communities while ignoring the negative impact on both people and the environment, justifying their actions by claiming they “are giving Black people jobs.”

April is Earth Month. For African American environmental stewards in California like McCall and environmental justice advocates groups around the country like the National Black Environmental Justice Network, it is a time to highlight the tireless work they do year-round, and an occasion amplify some of the most pressing environmental challenges Black communities face.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), who is running for U.S. Senate to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein, says the effects of climate crisis are evident in California.

“Drought, record heat waves, and wildfires that have devastated entire communities. As the United Nations and scientists around the world have made clear, we can still preserve a livable climate for future generations. But that window is closing fast,” Lee said in her Earth Day statement.

“We also must recognize that justice has to be at the heart of our fight against climate change. This crisis is disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities around the world,” Lee added.

McCall says many Black communities remain on the frontlines of environmental pollution.

“There is currently lead in our water. There are kids who have been born that are now in middle school and have never had clean water in their homes,” said McCall. “There needs to be more equity and justice when it comes to investments and corporate accountability.”

Climate change, a result of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, is often perceived as a distant threat. However, evidence shows that the world is already experiencing changes in seasonal temperatures and weather patterns. For instance, Montebello, a city in Los Angeles with a predominantly minority population, recently experienced its strongest tornado in 40 years. This event forced over 15 businesses to close and likely spread pollutants from nearby waste facilities into the air and water.”

The solution to this issue is complex. Black environmental advocates often highlight that it is easy for privileged individuals to suggest that others simply relocate without considering their struggles and limitations. However, when environmental disasters occur in disadvantaged communities, residents often lack the resources and information necessary to protect themselves and their families.

An initiative that has become a national priority – and one of the biggest pushes for California state government — is the transition to electric vehicles. Black eco-activists argue that while the adoption of zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs) is crucial, in the rush to adapt to them, advocates fail to consider the costs and potential impact on minorities or and lower-income communities during the transition.

“It’s not as easy as saying ‘buy an electric car to save the environment,’” says McCall. “There are quite a few significant factors to think about, especially for Black folks. Where are we going to charge it? Is the infrastructure in place? What are the limitations of the grid?”

“Black people have been involved in conversations about equity from the very beginning. There are many ways for us to continue to be involved and for our voices to be heard,” added McCall.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

On April 19, the California African American Chamber of Commerce (CALAACC) hosted the “Honorable Gwen Moore California Legislative Reception.”

The event celebrated the former California State Assemblymember with fond memories shared by colleagues, family, and friends. Moore, who passed away in August 2020, served in the California State Assembly from 1978 until 1994.

The reception took place in the ballroom of the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento. Former California state Sen. Roderick “Rod” Wright and former California Assembly Speaker Willie Brown discussed Moore’s extraordinary accomplishments in the political arena.

Brown, 89, explained that Moore did not vote for him when he became the first Black American Speaker of the State Assembly in 1981. She thought he was punishing her when he assigned her to an Assembly committee that Black lawmakers typically did not serve on.

Brown told the audience his intention was to place Black individuals in non-Black chairmanships. He said during his speakership, he was determined to expand the roles of Black lawmakers beyond traditional committees.

Brown shared that Moore eventually expressed her gratitude to him saying, “I am indebted to you for life. You just given me the opportunity to do something that no other Black person in the history of California has had the chance to do.”

Wright,70, said he met Moore before she served on the Los Angeles Community College District Board in 1975. He worked on Moore’s campaign for the countywide position.

Like Moore before him, Wright served as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce, which oversees telecommunications, electricity, private water corporations, natural gas, and other issues related to exchanging goods and services between businesses.

“It was one of the things that I looked forward to doing. Gwen would say to me, ‘Let me tell you how this committee works,’” Wright said. “Because, unlike everyone before me, I had to chair (the Committee on Utilities and Commerce) in the middle of an energy crisis. Gwen Moore was a true asset to me as a Chair of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce.”

Former California-Hawaii State Conference NAACP President Alice Huffman could not attend the conversation portion of the reception. A statement was read in her absence.

“Gwen was a loyal member of NAACP, serving both on the state’s executive committee for several years as well as on the National Board of the NAACP,” Huffman stated. “She was a loyal and dedicated member and gave her all to each of the boards she served. She embodied the true spirit of loyalty and dedication.”

The reception was attended by former and current lawmakers, business leaders, and members of the California Legislative Black Caucus. The event was hosted by KOVR 13’s Darla Givens and the Rev. Tecoy Porter, Senior Pastor of Genesis Church Sacramento, provided the invocation.

Timothy Alan Simon, CALAACC’s chair, provided an in-depth update of the business chambers’ goals for 2023 and introduced members of his organization and the California Legislature.

CALAACC is the state’s largest Black business chamber organization. Its mission is to “drive economic opportunity and wealth creation for African American businesses, connect and harness the collective strength of our statewide network of member organizations to elevate fiscal health,” according to the group’s website.

Simon highlighted that Moore was the architect and political force behind California General Order 156. This state supplier diversity program helped to strengthen and stabilize many California Black-owned, Women-owned and other minority-owned small businesses by assisting them in securing lucrative state contracts.

“In 2022, the total spent under General Order 156 with our California investors’ own utility was $14 billion, 30.1% classified as diverse and $18.44% minority,” Simon said. “African American businesses received close to $2 billion in utilities contracts.”

Sponsors of the two-hour reception included AT&T, California American Water, Sempra, SoCalGas, Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs, and Southern California Edison.

CALAACC Government Relations Chair and mayor of Rialto Deborah Robertson and State Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) welcomed guests and speakers on behalf of the organization. Los Angeles City Councilmember Heather Hutt (10th District) introduced Ms. Moore’s family members while praising her accomplishments.

“She fought in the Assembly (and) she fought alongside iconic Speaker Willie Brown, and she also fought for small businesses,” Hutt said. “She was the queen of diversity, and she was the person to think about small businesses and how businesses can do business with other businesses.”

During the reception, a special award ceremony recognized African American individuals whose ideas, leadership, business acumen, and political advocacy have improved the lives of people in communities across California.

The CALAACC presented the Gwen Moore Legislative Impact Award to Sen. Bradford, representative of the 35th District and Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus; the Outstanding Advocacy Award went to Carolyn Veal-Hunter, Partner at Sloat Higgins Jensen and Associates; and Regina Wilson, Executive Director, California Black Media, received the Aubry Stone Outstanding Business Award.

The Gwen Moore California Legislative Reception Committee members Pat Watts, Ahmad Holmes, Caliph Assagai, Larry Bradshaw, Cheryl Brownlee, Deanna Roberts and Robertson were acknowledged by Simon for their efforts put into organizing an event in the name of an influential lawmaker and businesswoman.

“I’m honored to be here, not only the achievements of the California African American Chamber of Commerce, but the legacy of Gwen Moore,” Bradford said. “The impact that she had, not only public utilities, but the Legislature as a whole. The work that Gwen Moore started 30 years ago is still needed today.”