WSSNEWS Bloggers

The NAACP, the nation’s oldest social justice organization, released this statement following the removal of Senior White House Strategist and known white supremacist Steve Bannon from President Trump’s administration. 

“The NAACP is glad to see Steve Bannon out of the White House,” said Derrick Johnson, interim president and CEO of the NAACP. “Ousting one key staffer, however, can’t erase the words used by President Trump this week in defense of domestic terrorists, neo-Nazis and white supremacists. President Trump provided permission for these hate groups to exist. Following the travesty in Charlottesville, Virginia, numerous other rallies and white supremacist groups are being mobilized across the country. These groups are not rallying for peace, or for the preservation of Confederate memorabilia. They exist purely to foment hatred and violence. And they march with the president’s blessing.

“President Trump must denounce in words and in deeds these white supremacists and urge them to stop their senseless rallies and killings and unlawful demonstrations. We further call upon the President to remove the people who share Steve Bannon’s poisonous beliefs from the White House, including Stephen Miller and Sebastian Gorka. President Trump needs to send a clear message to our great country: That his administration disavows bigotry in all of its forms, and that racist ideologies simply will not be tolerated.”

By Jasmyne A. Cannick | California Black Media

President Donald Trump’s proposal for a new merit-based immigration system that would screen visa applicants using a point system may be racist and exclusionary but so is an immigrant rights movement that excludes, overlooks, and straight up ignores the voices of their darker skinned counterparts.

Last week immigrant rights activists decried the Republican-backed proposal known as the RAISE Act or Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment Act, that would highly favor people between the ages of 26 and 30 with a doctorate, high English proficiency and a job offer with a high salary.   Applicants with the highest number of points would go to the front of the line to receive visas.

The Los Angeles area is home to nearly 3.5 million immigrants with approximately one million of them undocumented.  Here, public officials are quick to proudly tout the dozens of languages that are spoken by Angelenos and how much immigrants–regardless of their citizenship status–contribute to the city’s economy and culture.  In theory, Democratic politicians and immigrant right activists will tell you that all immigrants matter but in practice only one immigrant’s voice is only ever represented, celebrated or invited to the table.

Mass deportation and ICE raids under the Trump administration are not exclusive to Latinos.  Under Trump, more and more Africans and Caribbeans are finding it difficult to qualify for asylum or refugee status when they arrive at U.S. ports of entries–one of the primary ways that they can successfully stay in the country.

An estimated 575,000 Black immigrants were living in the U.S. without authorization in 2013, according to the Pew Research Center study, making up 16% of all Black immigrant’s population. Among Black immigrants from the Caribbean, 16% are undocumented immigrants as are 13% of Black immigrants from Africa.

The Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) and New York University Law School’s Immigrants’ Rights Clinic 2016 The State of Black Immigrants report found that Black immigrants maintain higher rates of employment in service and sales positions than their counterparts of other immigrant backgrounds.

According to the BAJI, immigrants from African and Caribbean countries comprise most the foreign-born Black population. Jamaica was the top country of origin in 2014 with 665,628 Black immigrants in the U.S., accounting for 18% of the national total.  Haiti seconds the list with 598,000 Black immigrants, making up 16% of the U.S. Black immigrant population.  Although half of Black immigrants are from the Caribbean region alone, African immigrants drove much of the recent growth of the Black immigrant population and made up 39% of the total foreign-born Black population in 2014. The number of African immigrants in the U.S. increased 153%, from 574,000 in 2000 to 1.5 million in 2014, with Nigeria and Ethiopic as the two leading countries of origin.

Los Angeles has a large and vibrant community of Black immigrants that but you’d never know because they are seldom reported on or heard from in the fight for immigrant rights–a fight that is led and dominated by Latinos. And while I expect Republicans to overlook Blacks until it’s politically convenient to pit us against one another, I do not expect the party of coalition building, solidarity and ‘we’re stronger together’ to do the same.

Let me put this into the right perspective for you. The party that calls out people, organizations and Republicans for their exclusion of women, transgender, the LGBT community, people with disabilities, members of the Asian/Pacific Islander community, Latinos, Blacks, veterans, seniors and I could go on and on does not itself (or very rarely) include Black immigrants.

Seldom discussed in mixed company is the fact that African-Americans privately agree with Trump’s assertion that “illegal immigration” has harmed the Black community economically. And even though Trump has no problem throwing African-Americans into the mix when it bolsters his immigration agenda, immigrant rights activists haven’t been as willing to include Black voices in their shared fight.

I look at the fight for the undocumented in America and think–strategically–Latino immigrant rights groups would do good to include the voices and images of Black immigrants to gain support from an already apprehensive and on the fence nation of African-Americans who may need more convincing that the fight for immigrant rights affects Blacks.  Despite HUD Secretary Ben Carson’s belief that slaves were immigrants–most African-Americans do not see themselves as immigrants and many are wary of and oppose the Democratic Party’s insistence that “illegal immigration” doesn’t harm Black employment.  Like white gay rights advocates and the Black community–it wasn’t until the visibility and voices of Black LGBT folks increased that real advances were made on LGBT issues with Blacks who mainly say gay rights as affecting and benefiting wealthy white gays.

Trump and the Republican Party are not going to stop pushing their anti-immigration narrative that “illegal immigration” threatens the jobs of poor Black people.  Many African-Americans already believe that there’s a prevailing attitude among Latinos that they don’t need anything from us except for the blueprint from our fight for our civil rights.

The pathway to victory for Democrats on comprehensive immigration reform needs both Black immigrants and African-Americans to succeed. While Latinos may outnumber African-Americans in cities like Los Angeles the reality is that our vote still matters and neither immigrant rights activists nor the Democratic Party can afford for African-Americans to remain on the fence about immigration reform. We win elections by bringing people together and working together

By Ysrayl

For the uplifting and encouragements of my people…

The Hebrew Doctrine is the only doctrine that ensures their believers of a life expectancy beyond the grave. I myself laid out each brochure of each faith before me, and considered the strength of the faith. It was the best thing that was going on. We are the only faith that promises eternal life through the sacrificial blood atonement which places us back in terms with the Mighty One.

Our ancestors followed the precepts in the literal ceremonials, pointing ahead into the future of Messia, [of whom would come through the loins of a Hebress woman.] The Word came in the flesh, in the person of Yahshua, and there are those of our forebears that beheld His glory [John 1]. We in this day, observe these same ceremonials in the Spirit, by faith, not by anything we can touch and feel, see and smell. Yah is a spirit. These festivals of old were and are summed up in the life and death of Jesus the Christ. In Genesis, we observe the Mighty One taking a skin [we suppose a lamb] making the covering for their sin. We have Yahshua taking His blood into the presence of Yah as the atonement for the world, regardless of complexions of skin. This life is offered to all. It takes you to receive it. It’s freely given. You don’t have to pay for the Word of Yah. The so-called preachers are cheating you. Those of us that believe in this message are promised eternal life with the Father, and when we sleep [we will] be awaken in Paradise and we will see our loved ones again; mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, all of us will unite up under the banner of Love, over our heads in Yah’s Kingdom. This is the gift that God gives to those of us that believe.

By Ysrayl

For the uplifting and encouragements of my people…

I don’t like to speak on subjects of my own thoughts and word opinions. I feel for us, we need the voice of the Word of YAH, so let YAH answer WHY we should return in this day in time, especially since everything has changed so much, since Ancient Days. YAH spoke to Jeremiah and the people were queried why? and He said, through the inspiration of God, [Jer. 3:14-15] “For I am married unto you.” Hebrews, we understand the true meaning of marriage, so I don’t have to go in to that, we all have a spiritual sense about us, because we are Hebrews, that’s what makes us Peculiar and Special! Another reason: YAH will give us leaders which will feed us with knowledge and wisdom, we sure do need that for us as a people and for our little ones’ future so that we can possess those things we need for ourselves; when we produce them, they are ready at hand for us when someone else produces them then we are under their hand. So, we have found the way-out ourselves, that we can escape. YAH has made possible through His Word. Since we are new to this path, not new, but re-introduce we must take it piece meal at a time, until we can look back in our DNA and feel the times of HEBREW YSRAEL AFRICA; this is the only way, through the Spirit. We need cohesiveness together!! In our history, we have this guy name Balak he sent messengers to Balaam, that he might curse the Children of Ysrael. Balaam went to YAH, and YAH said that the people are BLESSED PEOPLE! This passage is valuable to us because it helps us identify ourselves. YAH said we are blessed people, then in Chapter 23 Numbers verses 8-9 this prophet person, a long time ago spoke these words concerning us as a people [Nation State]: “How shall I curse, whom YAH has not cursed…” then in verse 9, the prophet person stands upon one of the hills in Africa and he sees Ysrael; for from the top of the rocks, I see him, and from the hills, I behold him: Lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall NOT be reckoned among the Nations.” As we are separated this day, that’s a good thing. We are a people like no other, we look different, we smell different, everybody else has the same strain of hair, we are one in alike, there is not another people, that has any in that we have, we are separated and set apart, sanctified, and made holy by the Father of all Lights. We are the HEBREW PEOPLE, let us step up, and be role models to the rest of our people…Shalom! May YAH bless you and keep you.

By Shalom Ysrayl

For the uplifting and encouragement of my people…

The calling back of the children of Israel. The word speaks to us, “If it be marvelous in the eyes of the remnant [we are the remnant, the children of the fathers] of this people in these days, should it also be marvelous in mine eyes, says the Mighty One.” [Zechariah 8:6]. This passage is the Resurrection of the children of Israel; if it’s marvelous in our eyes, how much more marvelous is it in the eyes of Yah, our Savior [Ezekiel 37…Dry Bones Live]. When they say; how will it be accomplished then you say, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says Yah.” Yahweh bless you!

By Shalom Ysrayl

For the uplifting and encouragement of my people…

Until the Lions Story is Told, The Hunter will always appear as the Hero! “The calling back of the Children of Israel…The Prophet is calling us back to the Covenant…” We are the Hebrew People! This idea will allow us to experience an upgrade in our lives and neighbor hoods… A Solid People…!

By Shalom Ysrayl

“For the uplifting and encouragement of my people!”

We are Hebrew People.  It’s not like we have copied this identity from some other people. We haven’t! There are not another people upon the planet earth that are called Hebrew. “So, it’s true to reason, that we have identified ourselves.” If we have copied another people in identifying ourselves then produce your evidence, who is these people? Not Jews, they are not Hebrew people.

They are the children of Esau. [Hebrews-kinky hair, dark pigment].

Brothers and sisters, we have and are still suffering patiently, this is the reason, we here at the National Hebrew Society reach out to every Hebrew, to serve them and utilize resources that we have for us to be a people again with a nation state of ours.

By Naomi K. Bonman

I love great energy and people that possess it. There were nothing but great and positive vibes during my recent interview with Ezina. Ezina is an author, musician, yogi, filmmaker, and a philanthropic humanitarian. She is also the great niece of the legendary Bobby Womack, and yes she is just as talented as her late great uncle. But as they say, talent sure does run the family.

When you listen to Ezina’s music, you can take it with you in just about any atmosphere because her melodies fuse together Neo Soul, Reggae, Alternative Rock, and Pop. You can vibe to it over a candle lit dinner with your honey, dance to it at a local bar with a group of friends, mediate to it during a yoga session, or simply just relax to it on a nice, sunny afternoon or gloomy, rainy day.

In addition to her music, she also has several books that she has written and one that she is currently working on. Her books, like her music, also provide healing as well as thought provoking messages. Thus, coinciding with her mission to use her music and books to inspire and bring people together and to use the tools of yoga to help others thrive.

To and learn more about Mrs. Ezina and her current projects and endeavors, please check out the interview below.

Lisa Donavon of West Virginia was on hand to work on the Donor’s Float her daughter Nicole was a donor.

By Earl Heath

Before the drive down Colorado Blvd., Tamara Henderson put the final touches on the Rotary float. “I see the fun people are having and the joy the colors bring to them and it all worth it,” said the veteran who teaches at Bassett High in La Puente.

There are some 935 volunteer members of the Tournament of Roses Association. Each volunteer is assigned to one of 31 committees, with responsibilities ranging from selecting parade participants to directing visitors on New Year’s Day,

Gay Norris is known as “White Suitors” because of her distinctive white uniform that she and every volunteer wears. It’s been a part of her life for some 20 years. She has no intentions of letting go.

Not even her move to Tyler Texas six years ago stops her from returning to Pasadena annually to put in her volunteer time. “It’s a joy to be here and be part of something this special“, said Norris. “ People really appreciate us and its gives me a warm feeling whining you get things done and it brings a wide smile to some faces.”

Norris is one of several community-spirited men and women give up their evenings, weekends and holidays to ensure the success of the Parade and Game.

She has a great philosophy for those who wear the suites.” We are all equal, we all make decisions. You make a mistake you get teased, one motto is under promise and over deliver.”

By Mildred D. Henry

In this year of unprecedented politics, there are those who would tell me how I should think and feel as an African-American. I ask, if the African-American experience is so bad, what have you personally done to alleviate the situation? What is your personal experience with the African-American community? I have a few personal experiences I would share.

• On a visit to Little Rock, Arkansas, shortly after Bill Clinton was elected president, I personally met with key administrators of his transition team decision-makers, which were African-American. African-Americans have been employed in his administrations throughout Bill Clinton’s political career.
• President Clinton appointed Rodney Slater U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Rodney is an African-American married to the daughter of my schoolmate, Henry Wilkins III, who attended all-Black Merrill High School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
• Hillary Clinton worked with the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) which was founded by African-American Marion Wright Edelman in 1973. CDF is the leading nonprofit advocacy organization in the United States for children’s rights. A leading coalition is the Black Community Crusade for Children.
• In 1968, when Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated, Hillary Clinton worked with the African-American student organization at Wellesley College to organize a two day strike.
• On October 16, 2016, while visiting the Museum of Black History and Culture at the historically Black AM&N College/University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, I met an art major graduate who is currently employed as an archivist in the Clinton administration. This young lady is responsible for preserving artifacts, and making restorations, such as she did on the broken nose of President George Washington’s face. She is employed to also be responsible for archiving memorabilia, such as Hillary Clinton’s wardrobe. I have found African-Americans involved at all levels of the Clinton’s experience.

I could go on and on. If my African American experience is as bad as you purport, you have not walked in my shoes, and if you provided no jobs or shoes for my feet, you cannot talk to me, or for me.   Sorry, “I can’t hear what you say for seeing what you do”.

On Tuesday November 8, I will cast my vote for proven experience.