WSSN Stories

LONG BEACH, CA— Over 180,000 fans will watch in anticipation as world-class racers take to the streets of Downtown Long Beach in the 48th annual Acura Grand Prix, but they will also see some smaller wheels on the sidelines.

After a pandemic pause, Jehovah’s Witnesses are returning to the longest-running street race in North America with their mobile Bible-based literature carts.

“The pandemic halted our face-to-face ministry for a period of time, but we are so happy to be back reconnecting with people again,” said David Cohen, regional spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “We enjoy sharing a positive message with people of all backgrounds, and the Grand

Prix is an exciting event with wide appeal.”

The event will take place April 14-16, where a variety of races will run throughout the weekend, finishing with a big-league IndyCar Series race. This year, more than 200 volunteers will share a positive Bible message at 30 literature carts stationed along the racing routes.

Volunteer Amanda Derby is revved up to return to the famed seaside circuit where some of the biggest names in the sport have taken the checkered flag, including legends Mario Andretti and the late Al Unsur. “It feels so good to get back out there to see smiling faces and share a smile,” she said.

Kicking people into high gear is what the Grand Prix is all about expressed Kefflyn Mathews, who has not only been a spectator for many years but also a local volunteer.

“It brings the community together and it’s a good chance for people to celebrate and enjoy life,” said Mathews. “It’s exciting to be back in person and let people know we have not forgotten about the community; we are still very active in sharing the Bible’s positive message. We are here for them.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses have incorporated mobile displays of Bible-based literature as part of their public ministry in the United States since 2011. First launched in major metropolitan areas worldwide, this practice rapidly gained momentum and has become a staple at rail and bus stations, airports, harbors, main streets and large events such as the Grand Prix.

“We thoroughly enjoy the city of Long Beach which hosts the Grand Prix. Jehovah’s Witnesses have been holding their conventions there for over 25 years, and we are very appreciative of the city’s support,” said Cohen.

To learn more about Jehovah’s Witnesses, their history, beliefs and activities, visit their official website jw.org, which features content in more than 1,000 languages.

NEW YORK (AP) — Saying she is ready to share the “unfathomable” experience of being arrested and incarcerated in Russia, basketball star Brittney Griner is working on a memoir that is scheduled for spring 2024.

Griner was arrested last year at the airport in Moscow on drug-related charges and detained for nearly 10 months, much of that time in prison. Her plight unfolded at the same time Russia invaded Ukraine and further heightened tensions between Russia and the U.S., ending only after she was freed in exchange for the notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

A WNBA All-Star with the Phoenix Mercury, Griner had flown to Moscow in February 2022 to rejoin UMMC Ekaterinburg, a Russian women’s team she has played for in the off-season since 2014.

“That day (in February) was the beginning of an unfathomable period in my life which only now am I ready to share,” Griner said in a statement released Tuesday by Alfred A. Knopf.

“The primary reason I traveled back to Russia for work that day was because I wanted to make my wife, family, and teammates proud. After an incredibly challenging 10 months in detainment, I am grateful to have been rescued and to be home. Readers will hear my story and understand why I’m so thankful for the outpouring of support from people across the world.”

Griner added that she also hoped her book would raise awareness of other Americans detained overseas, including Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, arrested in Russia last month and accused of espionage; businessman Kai Li, serving a 10-year sentence in China on charges of revealing state secrets to the FBI; and Paul Whelan, a corporate security executive imprisoned in Russia on spying charges. Around the time Griner was released, Whelan criticized the U.S. government for not doing enough to help him.

Russia has been a popular playing destination for top WNBA athletes in the offseason, with some earning salaries over $1 million — nearly quadruple what they can make as a base WNBA salary. Despite pleading guilty to possessing canisters with cannabis oil, a result of what she said was hasty packing, Griner still faced trial under Russian law.

Griner’s memoir is currently untitled and will eventually be published in a young adult edition. Financial terms were not disclosed.

In Tuesday’s press statement, Knopf said that the book would be “intimate and moving” and that Griner would disclose “in vivid detail her harrowing experience of her wrongful detainment (as classified by the State Department) and the difficulty of navigating the byzantine Russian legal system in a language she did not speak.”

“Griner also describes her stark and surreal time living in a foreign prison and the terrifying aspects of day-to-day life in a women’s penal colony,” the announcement reads. “At the heart of the book, Griner highlights the personal turmoil she experienced during the near ten-month ordeal and the resilience that carried her through to the day of her return to the United States last December.”

Griner, 32, is a 6-foot-9 two-time Olympic gold medalist, three-time All-American at Baylor University, a prominent advocate for pay equity for women athletes and the first openly gay athlete to reach an endorsement deal with Nike. She is the author of one previous book, “In My Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Court,” published in 2014.

In February, she re-signed with the Mercury and will play in its upcoming season, which runs from May through September.

ATLANTA, CA— (BUSINESS WIRE)– Fearless Fund and the Tory Burch Foundation opened

applications for the third cohort of the Women of Color Grant Program. The program will award 75 women of color-owned small businesses with $10,000 and $20,000 grants, access to a self-paced learning portal and peer-to-peer community networking.

Applications are open until Friday, April 28. To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit the Fearless Fund’s website at https://www.fearless.fund/tory-burch-foundation. Accepted grantees will be notified in July 2023.

While the number of women-owned businesses continues to rise, due to funding disparities, only 2% of women-owned startups generate $1 million in revenue; men are 3.5 times more likely to achieve this number. The Woman of Color Grant Program was created to help women of color entrepreneurs gain access to much-needed capital, and this year’s grant program marks another significant step in advancing women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and reducing racial inequalities.

About Fearless Fund

Launched in 2019, Fearless Fund invests in WOC-led businesses seeking pre-seed, seed level, or series A financing. Its mission is to bridge the gap in venture capital funding for female founders of color building scalable, growth-aggressive companies. The Fearless Fund team also runs The Fearless Foundation, a

501c3 organization with a goal to educate entrepreneurs through training, reduce racial inequities, and

empower African-Americans to gain access to capital, as well as the Get Ready Venture Program, a 12-

month training program for WOC business owners to acquire the needed training, mentorship, knowledge, and skills needed to gain access to capital. For more information on Fearless Fund, please visit www.fearless.fund.

About Tory Burch Foundation

The Tory Burch Foundation empowers women and women entrepreneurs in the United States by providing access to capital, education and digital resources: the Fellows Program has provided over

$1,200,000 in grants to help women grow their businesses; the Tory Burch Capital Program, powered by Bank of America has distributed over $95 million dollars in loans to nearly 5,500 women entrepreneurs; and each month, the Foundation’s Women of Color Grant program has deployed $2.2M funding in partnership with Fearless Fund; the Foundation provides online tools and digital education to more than 600,000 women and more than 12,000 women have created their business plans on the digital destination ToryBurchFoundation.org.

Source: Fearless Fund

Over 50 cities to broadcast moving documentary centered on the disparities in Black maternal health produced by Women in the Room Productions

LOS ANGELES, CA— — New federal data reveals the unfortunate truth for Black mothers across the country – as the national maternal mortality rate rose during the pandemic, Black mothers are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes than their white counterparts.

Viewers can learn more about these disparities – and experience moments of resilience and joy – by tuning in to select PBS stations during Black Maternal Health Week (April 10-17) to watch “Birthing Justice.” The powerful documentary goes behind the statistics and beyond the grief to amplify how Black women are taking control of their lives and transforming birth experiences for generations to come.

“Birthing Justice is the film I wish I had before I started a family,” said Allyson Felix, 11-Time Olympic Medalist, co-founder and president of Saysh and executive producer of “Birthing Justice.” “It takes an in-depth look at the horrifying statistics of giving birth for Black women and unpacks the complexities of changing these outcomes. It was important for me to share my story alongside other powerful accounts so that my daughter and her generation won’t face these same issues.”

Viewers in over 50 cities across the country can access the documentary by tuning in to their local PBS station the week of April 10. See the list of air dates here in addition to information on how individuals and communities can host their own “Birthing Justice” watch party.

After watching the documentary, viewers can use this thought-provoking discussion guide, provided by The Opportunity Agenda, a social justice-oriented, nonprofit communications community, to empower conversations about Black maternal health with friends, family and community members.

“Birthing Justice” is produced by Women in the Room Productions, a comprehensive media company that drives social impact for women and people of color through storytelling and community. Support for the film was provided by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, Missouri Foundation for Health, Meadow Fund, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and others.

By Lou K Coleman

Take Heed! DO NOT IGNORE THE WARNING! The Great Tribulation and World War 3 [Armageddon] is near. Understand, we are not going back to normal. We’re Not! The Great Tribulation and World War 3 is coming. The Trumpets, the Bowls, and the Seals. The Bible calls it the Seven Last Plague in [Revelation 15:1-2] and in [Revelation 9:15-18] its says 1/3 of the population of the world is going to die. DO NOT IGNORE THE WARNING! Things are going to get more intense and it’s going to be endless, expanded, expended, and enlarged. Grid your loins. This is your two-minute warning that the game is almost over! Don’t blow it! Heed the warning! Run to Jesus your only safe haven.

As you know the world’s elites seek to create a New World Order—a better world, as they envision it. But what the world’s elites, experts, leaders, and those who seek to create this New World Order do not know nor understand is the Biblical worldview revealed in the Bible. A world heading into darkness beyond imagination. You see, the inspired Word of God lays out His plan through the ages—which includes not only the story of salvation but the map of world history from its beginning to its conclusion. A thorough understanding of what begins in Genesis and concludes in the Book of Revelation brings the critical missing dimension of divinely guided history, otherwise known as prophecy.

Prophecy described in the Book of Revelation, the end stages of the coming great reset—the rise of a coalition of nations into a system the Bible labels as “Babylon,” in which for a time all will seem well, and the world will praise this system and benefit by economic cooperation. Prophecy where God also predicted the rise of Militaristic Russia [Gog & Magog, King of the North], the rise of the worldwide China Empire [Kings of the East] [Revelation 16] and the accumulation of knowledge and rise of technology capable of keeping track of people, their transactions, and worldwide television [Daniel 12:4; Genesis 11:6]. These are sufficient to tell us we’re down to the Two Minute Warning – just before Christ comes back in power and great glory! DO NOT IGNORE THE WARNING! Take Heed! Jesus is your only safe haven. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. God will take care of you. [Psalms 91:4]. DO NOT IGNORE THE WARNING! Run! Run to Jesus! Game is almost over, only two minutes left. Make your move NOW!

By Kwanza Jones and Sylvia Ghazarian

Everyone has the right to bodily autonomy – the right to make decisions about if, and when, to have a child, how to bring up a child, as well as a safe and sustainable environment to raise that child. As we celebrate Black History Month and Women’s History Month, we also honor the reproductive justice movement, developed by Black feminists in the 1990s that continues to be led by communities of color today. At its core, reproductive justice seeks to ensure that ALL individuals have the freedom and resources to make decisions about their bodies, including the right to ACCESS safe and legal abortion, contraception, and pregnancy care. WRRAP follows this reproductive justice model and continues to work in marginalized communities across the US to provide abortion funding to providers on behalf of patients.

Kwanza Jones and WRRAP have been coming together to hold conversations about these rights and their implications for equity for years.

When SCOTUS overturned Roe, many of us who advocate for reproductive freedom and reproductive justice had already seen for years that Roe was never enough since it has always been difficult for people of color to access reproductive healthcare. The decision, and the ongoing attack on women’s rights, including reproductive freedom, is reprehensible. It was like a gut punch. It did not go without the gamut of emotions for me, along with WRRAP – deep concern for communities, individuals, clinics, clinic staff, and doctors along with anger, tears, sadness, and disappointment.

We know that pregnancy and reproductive healthcare are particularly dangerous for Black people. This shows up in WRRAP’s work every day and we see the barriers that people are facing in pregnancy, with unwanted pregnancy, and in the ability to travel for any care. This is work WRRAP has been committed to for over 30 years. In the US, Black people access abortion at 3.5 times more than white people and the Black maternal mortality rate is a national crisis. Pregnancy-related death rates among Blacks are 3-4 times more likely than among whites. In fact, the US has the highest rate of maternal mortality – more than any other developed country.

Abortion is healthcare and this fight for our bodily autonomy continues to be a human rights crisis. The reproductive justice framework addresses social and economic justice issues – like racial and economic disparities in access to healthcare and the intersectional experiences of marginalized communities. And, with the high rate of Black maternal mortality, these include systemic racism and discrimination in healthcare, lack of access to healthcare, and social issues such as poverty and lack of education.

Black maternal mortality requires us to address economic and environmental issues. The health of Black women is under constant attack including not being taken seriously by healthcare providers and our pain is often dismissed or misdiagnosed. In addition, not having access to culturally competent care negatively affects Black women during pregnancy and childbirth. My song, “Rise” is about being undeterred in promoting, protecting and defending our basic human rights, despite the setbacks that may occur. It’s an anthem for people everywhere and organizations like WRRAP.

The US Government has a long history of dictating and coercing the reproductive health decisions of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color through policies that threaten vital health services. Working to eliminate the Hyde Amendment (which prohibits the use of federal funds to cover abortion except with life endangerment, rape, or incest and targets people with low income), increase Medicaid eligibility, acknowledge racism as a cause of health disparities, and address the disproportionate impact of the COVID pandemic on communities of color — all need to be at the forefront of immediate changes. We need to take action.

For anyone who knows, respects, cares for, cares about or loves ANY woman (friends, family, colleagues, siblings, daughters, aunties, and more) then you understand this is not only a women’s issue to be fought by women only. It’s about so much more. Our universal fundamental human rights must be guaranteed in law. It requires each of us to become politically active, since we can and need to elect leaders who support reproductive justice. After all, the midterm elections show that people have voiced their stand on not having individuals controlled and exploited. We can only achieve reproductive justice when ALL people have the resources, and economic, social, and political power to make decisions about all aspects of their lives including decisions about their bodies, families, and communities.

My song, “We Buildin’” celebrates the possibilities for prosperity in America, and the benefits of diversity in making the country better. As an indie artist, I make a conscious choice to use my voice and speak my truth without constraints. It’s a truth that resonates with many. There is enough apathy and inaction. We don’t have the luxury to do nothing. We don’t have the luxury to not speak. All too often marginalized people and communities lack power, resources, and access; that is why I speak.

The restrictions on women’s bodies, like the rollback of abortion and reproductive rights, are numerous, heartbreaking, and dangerous. That is why I join with WRRAP to look beyond Roe because this fight is Bigger Than Roe – it’s about ensuring Black women, and all women, have the autonomy and resources to make decisions about their reproductive health and bodies. This includes the right to access safe and legal abortion, contraception, and pregnancy care. 

We believe equality, equity and autonomy are fundamental rights. We believe every individual should have agency to make decisions about their own life and well-being.

We believe governments should not have control over a woman’s body, as it violates their right to bodily autonomy and bodily integrity.

We believe women should not be relegated to second-class status or secondary supporting roles.

 I, Kwanza Jones, and WRRAP, voice our resolve to continue our efforts to ensure women have control over their own lives and bodies free from government interference or societal oppression. We encourage others to join us in advancing equity and equality for girls, women, and for all.

Kwanza Jones is a catalyst. She is an American artist, investor, and multi-million dollar philanthropist who lives at the intersection of culture, community, and capital. Ms. Jones grew up in Washington, DC and currently resides in Los Angeles.

Sylvia Ghazarian is Executive Director of the Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project (WRRAP), a nonprofit abortion fund that provides urgently-needed financial assistance on a national level to those seeking abortion or emergency contraception. She is an active Council member on the California Future of Abortion Council and past Chair of The Commission on the Status of Women.

By Lou K Coleman-Yeboah

“I am about to do a shocking thing… I am going to carry out all my threats … I have warned continually that judgment is coming [1 Samuel 3:11-14] but they have squandered the opportunities, I have given them to repent. How long will the simple ones love their simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? [Proverbs 1:22]. Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.” [Jeremiah 5:21] the time of trouble, which is to increase until the end, is very near at hand. You have no time to lose. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecies of the eleventh of Daniel have almost reached their final fulfillment. The time of trouble—trouble such as was not since there was a nation [Daniel 12:1]—is right upon you, and you are like the sleeping virgins. Awake from your slumber because soon great trouble will arise among the nations— [fire, flood, earthquake, war, and bloodshed]. Heed the warning before it’s too late!

Remember the word came to Noah, “Come thou and all thy house into the ark”; The message came to Lot, “Get up,” he said. “Get out of this place, for the LORD is about to destroy the city!” [Genesis 7:1; 19:14]. So now we are given warning of Christ’s second coming and of the destruction to fall upon the world. Run, run to Jesus NOW, for those who heed the warning will be saved. God’s judgment on the earth is a fact. Don’t ignore the warning. The flood is the past example of God’s judgment. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed when God rained fire and brimstone on them. God ordered Israel to destroy the Canaanites because of their sin. Israel itself was judged by the Babylonian captivity. Jerusalem was destroyed in A.D. 70 because of rejecting the Messiah. There are many more examples in the Bible. But no other judgment in history was as widespread and severe as that of the flood. As such, the flood stands as the past example, bar none, of the fact of God’s judgment on the whole earth, and just as He judged the whole earth with the flood, so He will judge the whole earth in the end times, and none will escape. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Heed the warning NOW for God’s grace is seen in not closing the door until the last possible moment. Understand God’s future judgment will be historical, universal, and will come suddenly. He who testifies to these things say, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” [Revelation 22:20]. So don’t wait until it is too late. You must take the means of escape God has provided NOW.

The people watched Noah working for 120 years. They watched the animals streaming in from all parts of the globe. They watched Noah and his family board the ark. The door was still open for any to come aboard. Nobody did. They watched as the Lord shut the door [Genesis 7:16]. The rain started. It was too late.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

The El Camino Community College District, California State University Dominguez Hills, and the aerospace industry have lost a great leader and advocate with the passing of Kenneth Brown on March 23, 2023.

Brown was a pioneer in his fields, and his work as an educator, scientist, engineer, and trustee impacted countless lives.

Born and raised in Carson, CA, Brown attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he earned his B.S. in Computer Science and B.S. in Physics. He later went on to earn his M.S. in Applied Physics from Clark Atlanta University.

“As a Morehouse alum, Ken upheld the tradition of striving to make a positive difference in the world, especially for the Black community. He had a keen analytical mind and he eagerly engaged in discussions in a variety of subjects, including politics and social issues that challenged you to think critically,” said Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Rupert Byrdsong, a friend and college classmate.

Brown’s career in aerospace spanned over three decades. He worked for over 20 years at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, where, as a System Engineering Analyst for the Mars Science Laboratory, he worked on some of the most groundbreaking missions in the history of space exploration.

He was last employed as Operations Manager for Northrop Grumman Missions Systems Engineering & Sciences (E&S) Maritime Land Sensors and Systems/Field Engineering, at Space Park, Redondo Beach. where he was the lead for a major new enhancement to the program, driving technical integration to meet performance and functional requirements.

In recognition of his contributions, Brown received the Black Engineer of the Year Modern Day Technology Leader Award in 2019.

Brown’s passion for teaching led him to serve as an adjunct professor of Physics at Cal State University Dominguez Hills. For more than 20 years he taught undergraduate physics, physical science, and math courses. Because of his exceptional ability to connect with his students, his dedication to teaching, and his caring nature, he had a reputation for being a devoted and well-admired instructor.

For the California Department of Education, Brown served as a Content Review Panel expert and helped author “Next Generation Science Standards,” which is being used in K-12 classrooms in over 40 states.

In addition to his work in aerospace and as an education practitioner, Brown was President of the Governing Board of Trustees at El Camino Community College in Torrance. He had been a Board member since 2010.

“He never stopped advocating for students’ needs to ensure they found success in higher education, their chosen career fields, and in their personal lives. He inspired us to become extraordinary,” Brenda Thames, Ph.D., El Camino College Superintendent/President reflected on her connection with Brown. “He led as an unapologetic advocate for equity and the expansion of educational opportunities for all students. The legacy of his work will impact millions of students for decades to come.”

Vice President of the Board of Trustees Trisha Murakawa told The Union, El Camino College’s student paper, that she and Brown “‘were making good trouble, to truly help’ with education and equity at the statewide level and at El Camino.”

“Brown was a champion for students in everything he did …. and his legacy and commitment will empower generations of leaders to come,” Daisy Gonzales, the interim chancellor of California’s community college system, said in a statement.

Brown was elected to the California Community College Trustees Board in 2016, and in 2020 was elected to serve as President of the CCCT Board. He served as President of CCCT’s Board Financial Aid Implementation Committee as well as the Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative Change Leadership Committee.

“I don’t think he had “no” in his vocabulary,” said Pam Haynes, President Emerita, California Community College Trustees Board and Los Rios Community College District Trustee. “He was unwavering in his steadfast advocacy for students of color, especially Black and Brown students within our community college system.”

On a national level, Brown served on the Association of Community College Trustees Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.

Brown also served on the Da Vinci Schools Board of Trustees from 2019-20 in the Wiseburn Unified School District, El Segundo and on the Da Vinci Schools Fund Board.

A true renaissance man, Brown’s accomplishments extended beyond his professional life. He was an accomplished athlete, twice named All-American in Track & Field at Morehouse College and he played in the NCAA Div. II Basketball Final Four. He qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials and Pan AM Games in the high jump.

Brown, 54, lived in Inglewood with his wife of 25 years, Dr. Karla Harness Brown, a teacher, counselor, and child welfare and attendance advisor for 30 years at the Inglewood Unified School District. He is survived by two sons, Kenneth II, a Morehouse graduate who is now attending UCLA and Kaleb, a freshman at Howard University. He is also survived by his mother, Dr. Martha Brown, a retired professor of music and his mother-in-law, Gloria Armstrong, a retired Inglewood city employee. His father Keith Brown (deceased) was a Probation Officer.

From the outpouring of condolence messages and personalized tributes Brown’s family is receiving from the Inglewood community and beyond, it is certain that he will be deeply missed by his family, colleagues, and the countless students whose lives he touched through his work in education.

SB 673 would increase awareness, response and resources

SACRAMENTO – Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) has introduced SB 673 to create an “Ebony Alert” notification system to address the often ignored or lack of attention given to Black children and young Black women that are missing in California.

According to the Black and Missing Foundation, 38% of people reported missing in the U.S. are Black, which is double the U.S. Black population which is about 14%. Black children are disproportionately classified as “runaways” in comparison to their white counterparts who are classified as “missing” and, therefore, many Black children do not receive the Amber Alert.

Black women and girls are at increased risk of being harmed and trafficked. A recent report on human trafficking incidents across the country also found that 40% of sex trafficking victims were identified as Black women.

SB 673 would authorize a law enforcement agency to request that an Ebony Alert be activated if that agency determines that it would be an effective tool in the investigation of a missing Black youth or young Black women between the ages of 12 – 25 years. SB 673 would encourage news organizations including television, cable, online, radio and social media outlets to cooperate with disseminating the information contained in an Ebony Alert.

“The Ebony Alert would ensure that resources and attention are given so we can bring home missing Black women and Black children in the same way we would search for any missing child and missing person,” said Bradford.

“When someone who is missing is incorrectly listed as a runaway, they basically vanish a second time. They vanish from the police detectives’ workload. They vanish from the headlines. In many ways, no one even knows they are missing. How can we find someone and bring them home safely when no one is really looking for them,” said Bradford.

The Ebony Alert legislation is sponsored by the NAACP California Hawaii State Conference.

“Black women and girls are at increased risk of harm and make up a disproportionate percentage of all missing people. The NAACP California Hawaii State Conference considers missing Black women and girls an epidemic and necessary for its own safety alert.” said Rick Callender, NAACP California Hawaii State Conference President. “SB 673 will create the Ebony Alert, providing law enforcement with additional tools and resources to help locate missing Black youth and adults through cooperation with the community and the CHP.”

Senator Bradford is Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications, and represents the Los Angeles County communities of Carson, Compton, Gardena, Harbor City, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lennox, San Pedro, Torrance, Watts, Willowbrook, and Wilmington.

By McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media

Black women in the Golden State trail behind their counterparts from other ethnic groups in median wealth and a lower percentage of them have obtained higher education degrees. Black mothers and their babies have mortality rates that surpass women from other racial and ethnic backgrounds.

California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute (CBWCEI) President and CEO Kellie Todd Griffin said the state of Black women in California is troubling.

“There is so much work to do,” she explained. “There is a gap with Black women. Without immediate interventions from a policy and practice transformation standpoint, we’re not going to be able to change the trajectory.”

Griffin’s remarks came a day after the Center for the Advancement of Women at Mount Saint Mary’s University released its 12th annual “The Report on the Status of Women and Girls in California” on March 22.

The 40-page report, with the tagline “Advancing Equity: Leading With Meaning and Purpose,” is the Los Angeles university’s assessment of the state of women in California based on a number of social and economic indicators.

It is “what women need in order to attain agency for themselves, add meaning to their lives, and contribute fully to their families, communities, and businesses,” wrote Mount Saint Mary’s University President Ann McElaney-Johnson in the document’s opening pages.

The report highlights issues affecting women and girls in California post-COVID-19 pandemic. The trends documented pertain to women’s education, economic security, health, household labor, and wage and wealth divisions.

The paper’s authors and staff at Mount Saint Mary’s Center for the Advancement of Women are advocates who push for changes in legislation to help women and girls in the state.

Robin L. Owens, Interim Director, Center for the Advancement of Women and Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Mount Saint Mary’s University, said all of study’s findings need to be addressed.

“My personal opinion, wealth impacts everything, so that is the one that struck me the most,” she emphasized. “The differences in the wealth gap between men and women, but also between African American women and other races. That was striking.”

The wealth gap among women is vast, according to the study. For every $100 owned by a White woman, Latinas own $10, and Black women own $9. Twenty-four percent of households led by single Black women and 25% of Latina households are more likely to live in poverty than single White (14%) and single Asian (15%) women households.
In corporate leadership, 5% of the women in management positions and CEO chairs are African American. In comparison, 46% of women in management positions are White and 86% of women CEOs are White.

Black women hold 4% of the bachelor’s degrees obtained by California women, while White women have 47%. Among women holding graduate and professional degrees, 52% are White women, whereas African American women make up only 5%.

There is a connection, Griffin stated, between Black women’s trailing in education and wealth figures.

“We’re the smallest population amongst the groups that were assessed, however we shouldn’t be 4% of the bachelor’s degree holders,” she noted. “It’s disheartening. How do you get into corporate leadership if a majority of good paying jobs require a degree? We can’t get in the door to be able to accelerate up.”

Black women are more than four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes then White women, and Black babies are more than twice as likely to die within one year than White babies.

The maternal death rates African American women and their babies have are still comparable to numbers from decades ago despite funds and efforts put into improving that rate for all women, Griffin said.

“That is not an improvement,” she deemed.

CBWCEI is focused on using the numbers from the report and other statistics they have gathered to shine a light on the challenges Black women in the state have and to uplift their voices.

The group advocated for and received state funds to create the California Black Women’s Think Tank at Cal State Dominguez Hills, which focuses solely on Black women and girls through research and leadership development. The nonprofit organization is also conducting other African American women-geared initiatives.

“We are focused on Black women, Black girls, Black joy, Black advancement,” Griffin stated. “We understand if we invest in Black women, then we invest in Black communities. We are investing in Black California.”

Owens hopes readers of the report take actions like the CBWCEI.

“I hope people read the report and really give some thoughtful consideration to how they can add to the advancement of women in general and African American women in particular,” she said. “Even if it is in a small way. Sometimes we tend to think we have to fix the whole problem. If we could just find out in our own corner of the world, how we could make a small increase in helping African American women and women in general that would make a difference.”