WSSN Stories

By McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media

African Diaspora Network (ADN) founder and executive director Almaz Negash has uplifted and championed investment in businesspersons, entrepreneurs, and innovators of African descent in

U.S. communities and across the African continent for 13 years.

Negash, a native of the East African country Eritrea, who resides in the Bay Area, is now set to do similar work for the administration of President Joe Biden.

Negash was appointed to the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement (PAC-ADE) in late September.

Last month, Negash told California Black Media that PAC-ADE can help Africans in the Diaspora be a bridge between the U.S. and the African countries they hail from.

“The African Diaspora Network has been bringing Africans and friends of Africa together to talk about things we can do on the continent,” she stated. “Whether it’s through entrepreneurship, investment, and other ways. If you really look at it, you can reverse it and do the same thing in the United States.”

ADN is based in the Silicon Valley city of Santa Clara. Most of the organization’s leaders are affiliated with the Bay Area’s tech and business communities, even though the impact of the work they do is felt far beyond that region.

Negash, who has a background in international business, hopes the committee can change policies that will allow Black entrepreneurs in the U.S. and in Africa to thrive.

“The same thing that African Americans face here is also faced by Black entrepreneurs on the continent,” she said. “I want to share knowledge and resources but also shed light on the challenge Blacks face like access to funding.”

Negash was one of 12 people selected for the inaugural advisory group for terms that run until 2025. The appointees represent the diversity of the African Diaspora from Black and African communities. PAC-ADE members have distinguished backgrounds from a variety of industries including academia, business, creative industries, faith-based activities, government, sports, and social work.

Delaware’s Silvester Scott Beaman, the 139th elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, is the council’s chair.

Another Californian, Ugandan-born Ham K. Serunjogi, the co-founder and CEO of Chipper Cash, a cross-border money transfer platform, is also a councilmember.

Along with Negash and Serunjogi, the other PAC-ADE board members are:

• C.D. Glin, of Connecticut, who is the President of the PepsiCo Foundation • Osagie Imasogie of Pennsylvania, who is Chairman of the investment bank Quoin Capitol and co-founder of the private equity firm PIPV Capital
• • Chinenye Joy Ogwumike of Texas, who is a two-time WNBA All-Star for the Los Angeles Sparks and a full-time, multi-platform ESPN host and NBA analyst.
• • Patrick Hubert Gaspard of New York, who is President and CEO of the Center for American Progress
• • Viola Davis of Rhode Island, who is actress, artist, activist, producer, philanthropist, and New York Times best-selling author

• • Mimi E. Alemayehou of Washington, D.C., who is the Founder and Managing Partner of Semai Ventures, LLC
• • Kevin Young of Washington, D.C., who is the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
• Helene D. Gayle of Georgia, who President of Atlanta’s Spelman College • Rosalind Brewer of Georgia, who until August served as Chief Executive Officer of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

The PAC-ADE board will have in-person meetings three times a year and do other committee work in between.

The council was established following the Biden administration making a commitment to enhance dialogue between the U.S. government and the African Diaspora during last year’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit held at the White House.

Vice President Kamala Harris told council members during their October swearing-in ceremony that their work is an extension of what the U.S. does to improve global partnerships.

“This is critical in reinforcing relationships and our democratic principles,” she said. “I am also excited that the council will be a way to reintroduce the U.S. to the continent.”

Africa — a continent over 50 nations — has an abundance of natural resources such as arable land, renewable fresh water, and mineral wealth. Forty-two percent of the planet’s 15-to-35-year-olds will live on the continent by 2030.

Negash said Africa will play have central role in the world’s future because of the youth and talent on the continent and in the diaspora.

“That is an incredible opportunity to bring the world together,” she said noting the investments governments across the globe have made in

African nations. “Resources have been going out of the continent. This is an opportunity to help the community thrive, so many leaders around the world or interested in the continent. The numbers are powerful.”

Negash’s ADN has promoted business and economic development in Africa and throughout the diaspora since 2010. The nonprofit announced last month that it is partnering with Arizona State University to manage $80 million in funding from the Africa Bureau of the U.S. Agency of International Development’s (USAID) to assemble a coalition committed to empowering Africa’s youth with tools, education, and networking opportunities.

In October, ADN held a graduation ceremony for its Accelerating Black Leadership and Entrepreneurship program, a six-week workshop focused on community building, mentorship, and training for 11 Black entrepreneurs. Each participant received a $10,000 grant.

Additionally, by 2028, Negash noted, ADN hopes to have raised $35 million in funding.

“The most important thing we do at ADN is bringing people together,” she said. “Supporting entrepreneurs in Africa and supporting entrepreneurs in the United States, and really showcasing the diaspora and the role we play in the U.S. and on the continent of Africa

By Lou K. Coleman

Because there can be no doubt that we are living in the last days. The signs we are seeing and the things taking place in this world point to the soon coming final events, the mark of the beast, the time of trouble and the return of Jesus Christ. In all your getting, get an understanding! [Proverbs 4:7].

You can know what the signs are that will precede Christ’s coming and watch for them. Why stay in ignorance about the meaning of the events taking place around you? Jesus commands watch and to be ready. [Luke 21:36]. I tell you; your entire life is about to change. Events will unfold soon to destroy the world’s way of life as we have known it. Soon, mankind will suffer through the most devastating, bloody war in human history—called, in biblical terminology, the Great Tribulation. [Matthew 24:21–22]. We are now approaching that time, and these things are now being revealed. [Daniel 12:10]. In all your getting, get an understanding!

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.

What willful ignorance! The truth is that God is shaking all that can be shaken. And what is still to come is too dreadful to think about.

Listen in [Romans 13:11] we are given a warning. “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now, is our salvation nearer than when we believed.” The Apostle Paul is telling us that we need to be aware of the times in which we live and act accordingly. Jesus also stressed the importance of this when He asked, “Can you not discern the signs of the times?” [Matthew 16:3]. I tell you; you must understand the spiritual significance of current events. We are not living in ordinary times. We are nearing the end of an age—the end of a civilization. So, in all your getting, get an understanding. A world-shaking crisis is inexorably building and will, in the near future, explode the appearance of normalcy. You need to know that the progression of disturbing news stories is not random and inconsequential. In fact, they foreshadow remarkable key trends and specific events that will change everything you are familiar with in the next few decades!

Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.  [Proverbs 4:5-7].

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

In almost every poll conducted so far on the 2024 California senatorial election, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) has trailed her two closest opponents in the race, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA-30) and Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA-47).

However, a poll conducted at the California Democratic Party Convention in Sacramento — which began November 17 and was shut down a day later due to pro-Palestinian protests — Lee’s fate changed.

On November 20, Lee’s campaign issued an announcement.

“We want to make sure you heard some exciting news. At the California Democratic Party Convention this past weekend, delegates came together to vote on an endorsement in the U.S. Senate race,” the message read. “While no candidate received the endorsement (as there is now a 60% threshold), Congressmember Barbara Lee came out on top!”

In the Democratic delegate poll, Lee led with 41.47% (963 votes), followed by Schiff with 40.18% (933 votes) and Porter with 16.06% (373 votes).

“While other candidates used their massive fundraising war chests to influence the voting, we organized on the ground, delegate by delegate, to come out on top. And this is exactly how we are going to win this primary race in March,” said Lee.

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

A video recently went viral online showing a brazen flash mob of about 17 young people robbing a Nike store in Watts, a neighborhood in Los Angeles. The culprits got away with an estimated $12,000 worth of goods.

This incident along with many others like it capturing the growing incidents of violent store heists in the Golden State prompted State and Local Law Enforcement to highlight new and intensified efforts to combat theft during the holiday shopping season.

On November 20, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is increasing statewide efforts to combat organized retail crime.

“When criminals run out of stores with stolen goods, they need to be arrested and escorted directly into jail cells,” Newsom said in a statement. “Leveraging hundreds of millions of dollars in law enforcement investments, the California Highway Patrol — working with allied agencies — is increasing enforcement efforts and conducting and supporting covert and confidential takedowns to stop these criminals in their tracks during the holiday season, and year-round.”

As part of the Governor’s Real Public Safety Plan, the CHP is increasing its law enforcement presence in key retail districts across California and its Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) is increasing enforcement efforts through proactive and confidential law enforcement operations with allied agencies and retail store security outfits through the holidays — keeping more shoppers, merchants, and retail districts safe.

The Governor’s office hosted a news briefing featuring California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commissioner Sean Duryee, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Assistant Sheriff Holly Francisco and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.

“The men and women of the California Highway Patrol are working around the clock to keep shoppers, merchants, and retail districts safe this holiday season– and year-round,” said Duryee. “Much of our task force’s success can be attributed to the strong working relationships we have with our law enforcement partners throughout the state and the rapport we have cultivated with the retail industry.”

“My office takes these cases seriously and will continue to do our part to hold those who engage in this behavior accountable,” said Jenkins.

“These crimes are deeply impactful and will not be tolerated. Law enforcement agencies are working together to identify, arrest, and prosecute the thieves and those who traffic in stolen merchandise.”

Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney John McKinney has been a vocal critic of current DA George Gascón because the Sheriff’s Department will no longer detain suspects over crimes like theft and shoplifting since new zero-bail policy went into effect on October 1.

“These robberies aren’t borne out of desperation. They’re the result of having a district attorney who won’t enforce the law,” McKinney told California Black Media. “As long as criminals know there won’t be any accountability for their actions, then retail businesses of all sizes will continue to operate in constant fear and eventually depart for safer cities. Beefing up law enforcement may provide some deterrence, but, ultimately, we need a district attorney that understands accountability is a necessary part of a safe and functioning society.”

Eyeam Cinema’s new film “Clinic” is both entertaining and thought-provoking on the subject of popular cosmetic procedures that compel women to put their health and lives at risk.

ATLANTA, GA—- A new thriller with a unique storyline and surprising plot twist goes behind the operating curtain of an underground cosmetic surgery clinic where a myriad of terrifying encounters await. Clinic takes viewers on a suspense-filled journey into a clinic that upends one woman’s life forever. The latest movie released by the Atlanta-based female filmmaker duo Aleshia Cowser Jackson and Sharna L. Brown, Clinic follows a young single mother who decides to get a Brazilian Butt Lift against professional opinion. What was meant to be a three-hour procedure turns into a fight for her life and the gut-wrenching ordeal is portrayed on screen by Eyeam Cinema. Clinic is streaming now on Amazon Prime Video.

“We’re proud of this film,” says Aleshia Cowser Jackson, the founder and CEO of Eyeam Cinema. “Our goal with this film, as with all of our films, was to find the middle ground between entertainment and intentionality. We know the power of media. Thus, our films are intended to be both thought-provoking and entertaining, and this film raises some pretty complex questions.”

Tough topics are the norm for Jackson and Brown, who write, direct and produce their own films, as well as provide full-service production and distribution services for other filmmakers and creatives seeking to bring their ideas to life.

The movie Clinic is a prime example of Eyeam Cinema’s commitment to its unique form of collaboration. Eyeam Cinema teamed up with director and cinematographer Aarron Tyson, the CEO of Music Mob. Tyson served as a creative producer and music composer on Clinic–lending a variety of talents to aid in the success of the project.

“Our entire approach is collaborative, from start to finish,” shares Sharna Brown, the president and Chief Operating Officer of Eyeam Cinema. “We love teaming up with others who share a similar passion for excellent storytelling and filmmaking. We’re here to help our clients achieve the highest quality content and production.”

Clinic is directed by Aleshia Cowser Jackson, and Aarron Tyson, and written by Aleshia Cowser Jackson, Mel Jackson, and Abdul Majid. The movie stars Candice Marie Singleton, Alex Will Brooks and Shavonia Jones.

Mel Jackson, known for his acting roles in Soulfood, The Temptations and Deliver Us from Eva, took on the role of Executive Producer and screenwriter for Clinic, researching and writing on a topic that he believes is timely and important.

“In exploring a solid motivation for our antagonist, I discovered Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and realized it was a compelling and serendipitous opportunity to integrate this important topic into our story,” states Executive Producer, Mel Jackson. “The whole team agreed and believed that by addressing issues like BDD inside the art, we could enrich the work for the actors, profoundly impact our viewers’ experience and hopefully make a positive difference in society,” Jackson states.

About Eyeam Cinema
Eyeam Cinema is a full-service production company committed to providing audiences with fresh and exciting stories that touch hearts, make audiences laugh, and think deeply about the world around them. Established in 2014 by Aleshia Crowser Jackson and Sharna L. Brown, the Atlanta-based production company offers a comprehensive range of services to help filmmakers and creatives bring their projects to life. From conception to completion, Eyeam Cinema’s team of directors, producers, and actors work to ensure that every film contains the highest quality content and production. Eyeam Cinema’s diverse catalog is featured on a variety of streaming platforms including BET+, Prime Video, Lifetime Movie Network, TubiTV, AspireTV, and Pureflix. To learn more visit www.EyeamCinema.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— California PBIS honored 55 San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) sites for successfully developing systems to create welcoming, safe, and inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive.

“Whenever our schools are recognized at the state level, it’s certainly a reason to celebrate,” said Superintendent Mauricio Arellano. “And when the majority of our schools are honored for creating nurturing learning environments where all children feel safe and a part of the school community, that means we are creating optimal conditions for learning and academic risk-taking, which are key ingredients for academic excellence.”

PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports and is described as a framework to establish school-wide support for positive behavior using evidence-based interventions with the goal of improving social and academic outcomes for all students.

PBIS is grounded in classroom practices that are proactive, instructive, and restorative. Staff teach and model good behavior and provide positive corrections to behavior when needed.

Students are equipped with the social skills to respond to situations in a safe, responsible, and respectful manner. School staff also use restorative practices to develop, maintain, and repair relationships with students to ensure they stay connected.

According to Colleen Williams, Director of Student Wellness & Support Services (SWSS), an important aspect of developing a positive school climate and culture is to acknowledge positive interactions and behavior, while also addressing inappropriate behaviors with additional instruction, coaching and practice.

SBCUSD schools, as well as other PBIS schools across the state, are evaluated annually on how well they implement each of the three PBIS tiers using a nationally recognized evaluation method. Tier 1 is universal interventions and support for all students, which is aimed at stopping behavior problems before they start. Tier 2 provides targeted support for small groups of students who may need additional guidance. Tier 3 provides individual support for the few students who need intensive intervention. Based on this evaluation, schools in California may earn bronze, silver, gold, or platinum recognition.

Gold schools must demonstrate a structured approach to implementing Tier 1 and Tier 2, as well as meet data requirements, including that no more than 20% of the school’s student body received two or more major referrals. The 16 SBCUSD schools that earned a prestigious Gold PBIS Implementation Award are:

• Anton Elementary
• Arrowhead Elementary
• Cajon High
• Hunt Elementary
• Indian Springs High
• Jones Elementary
• Kendall-Harmon Complex
• Kimbark Elementary
• Lankershim Elementary
• Newmark Elementary
• Pacific High School
• Ramona-Alessandro Elementary
• Riley Elementary
• Roosevelt Elementary
• Rodriguez Prep Academy Middle
• San Andreas High School

To earn Silver recognition, a school must be fully implementing Tier 1 systems to address the schoolwide proactive and preventive supports and meet data requirements. The 32 sites that earned a silver award are:

• Arrowview Middle School
• Barton Elementary
• Belvedere Elementary
• Bing Wong Elementary
• Bonnie Oehl Elementary
• Bradley Elementary
• Brown Elementary
• Chavez Middle School
• Child Development Program
• Cole Elementary
• Curtis Middle School
• Cypress Elementary
• Davidson Elementary
• Del Vallejo Middle School
• Emmerton Elementary
• Golden Valley Middle School
• Gomez Elementary
• Henry Elementary
• Lytle Creek Elementary
• Marshall Elementary
• Monterey Elementary
• Muscoy Elementary
• North Park Elementary
• North Verdemont Elementary
• Paakuma’ K-8 School
• Parkside Elementary
• Rio Vista Elementary
• San Gorgonio High School
• Serrano Middle School
• Thompson Elementary
• Warm Springs Elementary
• Wilson Elementary

To earn Bronze recognition, a school must begin a systematic approach to Tier 1 implementation. The seven schools that earned a bronze PBIS Implementation Award are:

• Arroyo Valley High
• Fairfax Elementary
• Hillside Elementary
• Holcomb Elementary
• Lincoln Elementary
• Palm Avenue Elementary
• Urbita Elementary

In order to provide continued support for positive changes in school climate and culture and to recognize successful SBCUSD schools, the District provided PBIS Award-winning schools with funds ranging from $500 to $1,000 to purchase student incentives.

Students earn the incentives for meeting behavioral expectations. Additionally, staff from the District’s SWSS department are assigned to support school implementation of positive climate and culture systems Districtwide.

To learn more about Student Wellness & Support Services, visit www.sbcusd.com/departments/student-services-division/student-wellness-support-services.

Congratulations to our former intern Noelle Lilley. She and her news team at Channel 12 News in the Bronx, New York won their first Emmy. They won it for a story that Ms. Lilley covered earlier this year about a funeral of a New York police officer that was killed in the line of duty. Noelle is an inspiration to us here at the Westside Story Newspaper.

TORRANCE, CA—- 1,200 local families received free turkeys and groceries to make their Thanksgiving special. Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), in partnership with El Camino College, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and U.S. VETS Inglewood distributed  1,200 turkeys and pork roasts, bags of groceries, and gift cards to families in need this holiday season. Senator Bradford began this annual tradition when he served on the Gardena City Council and has continued it during his service in the State Assembly and now as a member of the State Senate.

“This incredible community event grows bigger and more important every year,” said Senator Bradford. “Seeing the faces of the people receiving these turkeys gives me great hope that these meals will not only feed our community but act as the centerpiece of families gathering to give thanks for each other’s support, faith and love. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to represent our communities in the state capitol and this turkey giveaway is one of my favorite ways to show my appreciation. We could not do this without all our sponsors and volunteers who care deeply about serving and helping others. An event of this scale is only possible because of them. I am enormously grateful to each of them.”

This drive-thru event was made a reality by volunteers and sponsors from Senate District 35 and the surrounding area including: Lawndale Councilmember Pat Kearney, Gardena Councilmembers Paulette Francis and Wanda Love, Torrance Councilmember Bridgett Lewis, U.S.Vets Inglewood, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Phillips 66 Black Employee Network, Torrance Refinery, AAA, Republic Services, Starbucks, Enterprise, LA County Probation Department, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Sigma Pi Omega Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta, Stiiizy, Crystal Stairs, Let’s Be Whole, National Association of University Women, and the AMAAD Institute.

“Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the things we are most grateful for in life. Thank you again to all the participants who stopped by and to El Camino College for hosting our event this year,” said Senator Bradford.

The California Black Power Network has been actively involved in the movement to make reparations in California a reality. As we move forward in the next phase of this work, we care excited to announce a new alliance in collaboration with six former members of the California Reparations Task Force – Dr. Cheryl Grills, Lisa Holder, Dr. Jovan Scott Lewis, Assembly member Reggie Jones-Sawyer, Senator Steven Bradford, and Donald Tamaki.

Introducing the Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation, and Truth Equal Justice Society (ARRT). The Alliance’s mission is to educate the public about reparations; amplify the Task Force on Reparations’ report and its recommendations; achieve broad-based, multi-racial public support of reparations; and grow the base of multi-racial and multi-sector allies who support reparations in California.

For more information about this historic collaboration, visit Alliancefor.org.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

As California and the federal government invests trillions of dollars in infrastructure projects, advocates say there’s a cost for not guaranteeing equitable racial and ethnic participation in contracting, as firms are hired to carry out the necessary work.

In California, many of the firms owned by Blacks and other minorities qualify as Historically Underutilized Businesses, a U.S. Small Business Administration certification that prioritizes companies in the procurement process.

“Inequity costs everybody,” said Ingrid Merriwether, a member of the Equity Infrastructure Project (EIP)Advisory Council and CEO of Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services (MWIS).

Merriwether told California Black Media (CBM), “Things cost more because you don’t have enough competition. In public contracting, they award business on the lowest responsive bidder,” she said.

“When you have fewer people competing, people are paying more. With tax dollars involved, we are all paying more.”

Merriwether and other advocates are working to ensure more Black-owned and other minority-owned firms gain from California’s upcoming taxpayer-funded infrastructure projects through government contracts.

In California, where more than 99% of all businesses are designated small businesses and 45% are minority-owned, advocates stress the importance of fair contracting according to the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA).

Merriwether played a key role in the creation and administration of the LA Regional Contractor Development and Bonding Program (CDABP).

MWIS has administered successful contractor development programs for the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Metro, County of Los Angeles, Alameda County, and the City and County of San Francisco – the latter for over 20 years. These programs have facilitated over $1 billion in bonding for small local contractors and have saved public sponsors over $22 million due to low bids from program participants.

In 2021, President Biden signed a $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, mandating a minimum of 10% of its funding for surface transportation projects go to ‘small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

In May, Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled proposals to streamline projects, declaring that the state will invest up to $180 billion towards clean infrastructure over the next decade. His office predicts this investment will generate 400,000 quality jobs while helping to achieve the state’s climate goals.

“The only way to achieve California’s world-leading climate goals is to build, build, build – faster,” said Newsom, speaking at the site of a future solar farm in Stanislaus County.

“This proposal is the most ambitious effort to cut red tape and streamline regulations in half a century,” the Governor continued. “It’s time to make the most out of taxpayer dollars and deliver results while creating hundreds of thousands of good jobs.”

Newsom says that California is funding statewide construction projects. Funding will come from previous state budgets and from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

On the local level, organizations are doing their part to increase equity when it comes to diverse firms landing infrastructure contracts. In Los Angeles, the CDABP is actively helping small, local and diverse contractors build their business capacities and access millions of dollars in contracts. The program helps fund surety bonds which can be expensive barriers for smaller firms fighting for contracts, and financing for firms whose cash flow is held up during the long wait for approval to pay workers after completing government jobs.

Critics of government preferences for minority-owned businesses claim that programs raise costs and invite fraud. In 2019, $300 million in federal contracts intended for minority-owned businesses went to business owners with false claims of Native American Heritage.

Another concern critics share is that smaller firms have a lower work completion rate. The industry ‘loss ratio’ or number of contractors who do not finish the job is 20% in the United States.

However, with a track record of having less than a 1% surety bond guarantee default rate for program-enrolled contractors, Merriwether envisions being able to facilitate access to contract funding once they’ve been successful in winning contracts with the program’s public agency sponsors.

“We’ve been able to demonstrate that these contractors are also competent. If you provide equitable resources, they can compete, they can be low bidders and they successfully complete their contracts compared to their peers,” she pointed out.  We’ve been very fortunate to demonstrate the true potential of these firms. What we want to do is amplify what we’ve been doing on a small scale to show folks that this is what we need to be doing on a national scale; using public funding as an appropriate source to change these dynamics and supply chain for small minority business. It’s the right thing to do.”

EIP was formed in April 2022 to leverage infrastructure spending to build wealth in underserved communities. It has persuaded several municipalities, including the California State Transpiration Agency to pledge more infrastructure funds to HUBs. On October 11, 2022, EIP and five other state-level departments of transportation signed an equity pledge in Washington, DC.

“Some may say that our work is about infrastructure or contracting, and indeed it is. Most importantly, however, our mission is about people,” said Co-Founders Phil Washington and John Porcari in a letter on EIP’s status. “It’s about creating careers in underserved communities. It’s about creating generational wealth and closing the racial wealth gap to break long-lasting cycles. It’s about people’s economic security and peace of mind.”

“The recommendations are the result of meeting with Californians from all walks of life—elected officials from around the state and heads of major transportation agencies but also community leaders and members,” said former Los Angles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in a press release. “Centering community and advancing equity is essential in this work, as is promoting environmental sustainability and expanding economic opportunity for all.

Learn more about the CDABP and find out how to apply for state government procurement in California.