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HBCU Grad Makes History as First Black President of the Academy of Physicians in Clinical Research (APCR)

Dr. Leonard Weather, Jr, RPh, MD, FAPCR a New Orleans and Shreveport, LA distinguished gynecologist was recently elected President of the Academy of Physicians in Clinical Research (APCR). Dr. Weather assumes the role of the first African American to hold this esteemed position in the organization’s history.

Dr. Weather’s extensive academic background includes a Pharmacy degree from Howard University and an MD from Rush Medical College in Chicago, IL. He further honed his expertise through comprehensive training, completing his internship, residency, and fellowship in gynecology and obstetrics at the renowned Johns Hopkins University Hospital.

Beyond his medical accomplishments, Dr. Weather is a multifaceted individual, embodying roles as a health educator, professor, ordained minister, artist, author, and photographer. His literary contributions include three inspirational poetry books, an infertility handbook, and his most recent publication, Endometriosis the Name of the Pain and How to Repress It, released in June 2023.

As an active gynecological clinical trials researcher, Dr. Weather has presented over 210 peer-reviewed presentations and papers, specializing in pelviscopic surgical treatment of infertility, endometriosis, pelvic pain, and uterine fibroids. Notably, he is credited with inventing the revolutionary surgical procedure known as Optical Dissection Pelviscopy, a groundbreaking advancement in laparoscopic surgery that aids in the prevention of organ injury.

Dr. Weather’s impact extends beyond the APCR, as he is the Past President of the National Medical Association, the Louisiana Medical Association, and the New Orleans Medical Association. He currently holds a position as a board member of the State of Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners and serves as the National President of Chi Delta Mu Medical Fraternity.

The APCR is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to advancing the fields of clinical practice, academic research, and pharmaceutical industry engagement in clinical research (clinical trials). Its mission encompasses the prevention and cure of diseases, as well as safeguarding the welfare of patients and study subjects through the acquisition, dissemination, and evaluation of knowledge concerning medicine and device development.

The APCR provides a vital platform for enhanced education, professional development, qualification, and certification for physicians participating in clinical research endeavors. It is the sole organization representing the physician research community within the American Medical Association (AMA), thus influencing national policies on numerous issues related to clinical research.

Dr. Weather brings a wealth of expertise, dedication, and vision to his role as President of the APCR. His historic election is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the medical field and his commitment to advancing clinical research.

California Is Celebrating Its Sixth Annual “United Against Hate Week”

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is joining local governments, advocates, and other partners to launch the United Against Hate Week (UAHW) in Berkeley on Nov. 13.

The initiative was started by local government leaders and elected officials in the Bay Area after several hate groups held rallies in San Francisco and Berkeley.

UAHW activities organized to raise awareness about hate and promote cross-racial and ethnic unity will run from Nov. 12 to 18.

“The week is marked by individuals and community organizations coming together to host events and take action to help combat a national and statewide increase in hate,” reads a press release from the CRD.

“In California, reported hate crimes have reached their highest levels since 2001 — jumping more than 20% from 2021 to 2022. As part of the state’s response to hate, the California Civil Rights Department recently launched CA vs Hate, a non-emergency, multilingual hate crime and incident reporting hotline and online portal,” the press release continues.

Held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center in Berkeley, the Nov. 13 launch ceremony featured several prominent speakers, including Becky Monroe, Deputy Director, Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs at the California Civil Rights Department; Rick Callender, President of the California and Hawaii State Conference, NAACP; Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco); Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín. Ilan Davidson, President, L.A. County Commission on Human Relations; Patrice O’Neill, Founder and Co-Director, Not In Our Town; Pardeep Singh Kaleka, Senior Strategic Advisor, Not In Our Town.

Do You Know Your Voter Status? California Secretary of State Shirley Weber Releases Latest Voter Registration Report

On November 6, California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber released her department’s latest voter Report of Registration in anticipation of the March 2024 primary elections.

The report, which covers a 154-day period ending Oct. 3, 2024, provides a running count of California voter registrations with data gathered from elections offices in the state’s 58 counties.

About 22.1 million people or 82.91% of eligible voters in the state have registered to vote.

Among registered voters, Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly 50% with 46.82% or 10.3 million voters. Republicans account for 23.9% (5.2 million voters) followed by voters with no party preference at 22.2% (4.9 million voters).

Californians who are registered to vote can also check or change their pollical party and vote-by-mail preferences on the Secretary of State’s website.

The Report of Registration includes:

  • Voter registration by political party, county, city, congressional district, state senate district, state assembly district, state board of equalization district, county supervisorial district, and political subdivision
  • Statewide voter registration by age group and by county
  • Historical comparisons to previous reports in odd-numbered year
  • Voter registration by political bodies attempting to qualify as political parties (by county)

Californians who are not yet registered to vote can do so or update their voter registration online as well.

 

Letter to the Editor: Justice for Jordyn Hicks- A Call for Accountability

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – November 2023 – In an impassioned plea for justice, the loved ones of Jordyn Hicks gathered at the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office on Thursday, November 02, 2023, to implore the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office to pursue charges in the tragic death of the 14-year-old. Jordyn Hicks lost his life on June 25, 2023, when Ashkat Chetan Shah, allegedly speeding and running a red light, struck him with his vehicle as Jordyn attempted to cross the intersection of Willow and Riverside Avenue.
Jordyn Hicks was a vibrant and ambitious young individual, cherished by his family, peers, and community. As a student at Norton Science and Language Academy, who loved video games, sports, and music, leaving an indelible mark on those around him with his infectious joy and laughter. “Jordyn meant the world to me. He was my angel, my heart. He possessed immense potential and had so much to live for. A beautiful, intelligent, and compassionate boy, he had countless contributions to offer the world. He adored his family, friends, school, and hobbies. He had dreams and aspirations he yearned to fulfill.
The driver who callously left my son lying on the road, bleeding and dying, without even stopping to acknowledge his actions, displayed no remorse, no guilt, no humanity. I demand justice for my son. I demand that the driver face the consequences of his actions. Jordyn deserves justice,” said Mercedes Murray, Jordyn’s grieving mother. “Today, we stand united in our pursuit of justice for our client, whose life was unjustly snatched away due to the defendant’s reckless and negligent behavior. Our client was a bright, innocent, and loving child, brimming with potential for a promising future. We will not rest until justice is served for Jordyn,” declared Attorney Allison R. Bracy.
The press conference featured heartfelt speeches from Jordyn’s family, school representatives, and community members, alongside advocates from local civil rights organizations.

The IE Black Equity Fund Raises an Historic $6 Million to Build and Sustain the Power of Black-led Organizations in the Inland Empire

Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson Presents $1 Million for the IE Black Equity Fund CEO of The California Endowment, Dr. Bob Ross, Receives Lifetime Commitment to IE Award

RIVERSIDE, CA— The Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) and the Black Equity Initiative of the Inland Empire (BEI-IE) announced that the IE Black Equity Fund raised more than $6 million since launching in 2020 at a celebration event in Riverside. The event, held on November 3, 2023, marked a significant milestone for the Fund and its mission to support nonprofit organizations and initiatives that are led by – and serve – the Black community in the Inland Empire. Attendees included nonprofits, philanthropists, funders, and local officials committed to fostering Black community empowerment in the region.

In a stirring message before 200 guests, Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson announced the allocation of $1 million to the Fund, bringing the total to $6 million to help close persistent equity gaps in education, health, employment, and housing for the region’s Black community.

“I’m thrilled to witness the outpouring of support and enthusiasm for the IE Black Equity Fund,” said Pastor Sam Casey, BEI-IE Co-Founder, and Executive Director at Congregations Organized for Prophetic Change, (C.O.P.E.) “Remarkably, we exceeded our original $5 million goal. The $6 million we’ve raised is a testament to the community’s support of providing critical resources that strengthen the capacity of our organizations. As we celebrate this important milestone, we also know that we must remain vigilant on our journey towards progress.

Dr. Bob Ross, President and CEO of The California Endowment (TCE), was also the program’s guest speaker, who encouraged each guest to honor the past sacrifices of others and give back. Under Dr. Ross’s leadership, TCE was the first organization to invest $1 million into the Fund. Leaders from IECF and BEI-IE also presented Dr. Ross with a “Lifetime Commitment to the IE” award.

Grantmaking

The Fund’s impact has been felt in the region. It recently granted $1.027 million to 71 organizations and fiscally-sponsored projects in its second round of grantmaking. Since its inception, the Fund has made grants totaling $1.7 million to promote racial equity in the region.

New Research

To better understand the issues affecting the Inland Empire’s Black community which comprises 7.3% of the region’s population, and identify where funding might carry the most impact, the IE Black Equity Fund partnered with Mapping Black California to publish the “Black Equity Fund Report.

Building a Culture of Philanthropy

The Fund has raised $6 million thanks to investments from the California Endowment, the Weingart Foundation, the James Irvine Foundation, Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson, and support from dozens of corporate and institutional donors. The Fund has also been strengthened by numerous individual donations.

“This is a terrific milestone for the Inland Empire and our Black-led nonprofits,” said Brie Griset Smith, Sr. VP of Charitable Giving at IECF. “We are so appreciative of those who gave generously to support the Black Equity Fund at IECF, and to BEI-IE who created this inspiring opportunity to benefit our region.”

In partnership with IE Funders Alliance and IECF, the Fund was created by The Black Equity Initiative – Inland Empire (BEI-IE), a coalition of nonprofit leaders whose work is focused on ending systemic racism and building political and economic power for the Black community in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

For more information about the IE Black Equity Fund and its mission, visit iegives.org/ieblackequityfund. For more information about BEI-IE, visit blackequityie.org

Civil Rights Attorney Mika Hilaire and Chloe Banker of Equal Rights Law Group File Civil Lawsuit Against Val Verde Unified School District and Police Department for Racial Discrimination and Harassment

MORENO VALLEY, CA— Val Verde Unified School District Police Officer Zuriah McKnight filed suit against Val Verde Unified School District (VVUSD) and VVUSD Police Department, alleging among other things, Racial Discrimination, Failure to Prevent Harassment and Discrimination, and Retaliation, after Mr. McKnight opposed racial harassment and discrimination.

Mr. McKnight joined the VVUSD Police in 2019 and has received many positive accolades. In September 2022, Mr. McKnight was highlighted for his dedication to students and positive attitude in an article titled “Perris school resource officer shakes up rally with viral dance moves: ‘It was absolutely nuts’.”

Unfortunately, upon beginning his employment, Mr. McKnight immediately noticed that Black officers were treated disparately compared to white officers. Mr. McKnight was subjected to racial comments, including being asked by the Chief of Police if he was just going to “eat fried chicken.” Discriminatory racial comments were commonly made. In one instance, after being informed of an African American dinner at a school site, an employee remarked “why don’t they have an all-white people dinner?” Due to his race, Mr. McKnight received unfounded discipline that white officers did not and was told that he would not be sent to additional trainings like other officers.

Mr. McKnight also spoke up about the disparate treatment of female officers by VVUSD. When a female officer was injured in the field, the Chief of Police commented “if she was at home like she should have been, she wouldn’t have been shot.” Female officers were also denied ballistic vests, creating serious safety concerns.

Mr. McKnight and other officers were forced to work “on-call” for 7-day periods, meaning that they be required respond to any call at any hour of the day or night. Officers were also forced to candidate for VVUSD candidates and were told if they did not pass out flyers, “we know who will have a job and who won’t.”

Mr. McKnight continuously spoke up concerning these events and suffered from retaliation by VVUSD. Due to the hostile environment, Mr. McKnight was forced to take medical leave for his own health. While on leave, Mr. McKnight was subjected to false investigations to which he was not informed of, in violation of the Peace Officer Bill of Rights, and threatened by his supervisors and Chief of Police.

Mr. McKnight seeks economic and compensatory damages in his complaint filed in Riverside County Superior Court.

Black Woman Founder of Nonprofit Launches Magazine to Support Minorities Affected by Breast Cancer

The publication features diverse patient stories and 300+ resources for care and survivorship

NATIONWIDE — Jasmine Dionne Souers, President and CEO of The Missing Pink Breast Cancer Alliance and a breast cancer survivor herself, is proud to announce the launch of More Life Magazine. The publication features a collection of stories, resources, and innovative ideas that relate to the experiences of people of color affected by breast cancer.

The website and magazine feature personal stories to address cultural access barriers, connect people to more than 300 existing resources and support services, and promote policies and practices demonstrating success in eliminating barriers and disparities.

With the support of Genentech and Built to Rock Events, The Missing Pink partnered with 12 dynamic breast cancer organizations to showcase the impact of their respective services in the lives of people of color, reflecting back the possibility of hope, help, and healing for patients and amplifying insights behind barrier-breaking efforts.

“The disparities facing minorities affected by breast cancer are so great, they’re not something one organization is going to solve alone,” said Jasmine. “More Life Magazine brings together hundreds of resources in one place, it exists in various formats, and makes it easier for patients and the people who care for them like caregivers, social workers, providers, etc. to find help that may or may not exist in their backyard.”

The inaugural issue of More Life Magazine predominantly features experiences that relate to Black and Latino people affected by breast cancer and unlike many minority breast cancer efforts, it includes the experiences of and resources for men and people who identify as LGBTQ+.

“I remember how isolating it was to navigate breast cancer as a 26-year-old Black woman in 2016,” said Jasmine. “In our first issue, I wanted to make sure we held space for as many

unique perspectives from our diverse communities as possible because where there is light, there is hope. Everyone deserves to see a reflection of themselves in the face of people who are surviving and thriving after breast cancer and know what help is available to them.”

More Life Magazine tackles various subjects, including experiences with clinical trials, parenting with cancer, fertility preservation, the impact of delayed diagnoses on families and more. As the cover story, Jasmine’s personal journey as a young survivor, advocate and co-survivor to her grandmother living with metastatic breast cancer lays the foundation for the vulnerable, authentic, and informational storytelling found throughout the publication.

“Speaking from experience, I know the challenges people are facing to overcome this disease are very real and I don’t think we should shy away from that, but the work happening to help people overcome many of these challenges is just as real,” said Jasmine. “I want to make help and hope more tangible for people who feel like it’s out of reach for them or the community they serve.”

More Life Magazine is available online, in print, and in PDF. Additional stories and resources will be added to the site. Promo items for offices and outreach events are also available online.

To learn more, visit TheMoreLifeMag.com


About
The Missing Pink Breast Cancer Alliance works collaboratively to create community resources that improve the lives of people of color affected by breast cancer. We harness the power of innovation through collaboration and education to eliminate barriers to quality healthcare and improve quality of life. To learn more, visit themissingpink.org.

 

SBVC Launches Support Program For Part-Time And Returning Students

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) recently launched a new program to assist part-time and returning students to stay in college and reach their academic goals.

Launched this fall, SBVC’s Dedicated Engagement to Empower Part-Timers (D.E.E.P.) is designed to ensure that first-year or re-entry students who are enrolled full-time at SBVC have the resources necessary to be successful. Services and benefits provided include counseling, financial assistance, priority registration B, free textbooks and a specially designed orientation.

By removing barriers, these students are more likely to fully integrate into the SBVC community, stay enrolled in classes, graduate and transfer to a four-year college.

“The program’s focus on serving the part-time student body came about after examining the specialized counseling programs available for that population at SBVC,” said Ayanna Spivey, D.E.E.P.’s student services coordinator. “The results showed a student enrolled in fewer than 12 units, which determines a student’s part-time or full-time status, limited a student’s ability to apply to several programs on campus. This information directed the decision to offer a program that allowed students to receive specialized services and benefits that meet the student’s life circumstances.”

To be eligible for the program, students must complete orientation, placement and submit a FAFSA (and DREAM Act application, if applicable). With dozens already signed up, D.E.E.P. expects about 100 Wolverines will join the program during its first year.

Click here to learn more about the D.E.E.P program

San Bernardino Native Serves Aboard U.S. Navy Floating Airport

By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Airman Jeremiah Davis, a native of San Bernardino, California, is one of more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard the self-contained mobile airport, USS Theodore Roosevelt.

Davis, a 2019 graduate of Eisenhower High School in Rialto, California, joined the Navy three years ago.

“I joined for the opportunities in education and to travel, as well as to have a fresh start,” said Davis.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Bernardino.

“I learned to stay humble, stay true, always be open to learning something new and keep God first,” said Davis.

Today, Davis serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (equipment) responsible for the launching and recovery of aircraft.

“I’ve assisted in over 200 maintenance and zone inspections with my job and in supply,” said Davis. “I’ve also assisted in providing over 12,000 meals with the culinary specialists to service the crew. The thing I like best about my job is that I get to work and form bonds with amazing people from all over the world.”

Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.

According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere in the world. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility, and the combat capability of its air wing.

This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola, Florida. Six of them, known as “The First Six,” earned their “Wings of Gold” one year later. Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally, and today women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aircraft. According to Navy officials, our nation and our Navy are stronger because of their service.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.

As a member of the Navy, Davis is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy contributes to national defense by showing our allies we are capable of defending them, and showing our adversaries that we won’t go down easy,” said Davis.

Davis has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am proud of the positive impact I have on other sailors in helping them achieve their goals,” said Davis.

As Davis and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.

“Serving in the Navy gives me the chance to better myself while protecting the people I love,” added Davis.

 

NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference Hosts 36th Annual State Convention

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

The NAACP California Hawaii State Conference (Cal-Hi NAACP) held its 36th annual State Convention at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront Hotel.

The convention featured a series of workshops and discussions organized to promote solutions for some of the most pressing issues impacting Black communities in California and Hawaii. The focus was on a range of topics, including next-generation leadership, environmental justice, housing, veteran’s affairs, labor, education, and more.

“This is when we bring our branches to get them trained up and ready to go back into their communities ready to fight for what we’re fighting,” said NAACP Cal-Hi President Rick Callender. “What we are fighting, we’re fighting for criminal justice, environmental justice, equity in education, equity in the legislation and trying to move the NAACP’s agenda forward.”

 This year’s event, themed “This Is How We Thrive,” was held from Oct. 27 to 29. Around 500 NAACP Cal-Hi leaders, delegates, elected officials, activists, organizers, faith leaders, and entertainers from across the state and Hawaii participated in the festivities.

Keynote speakers at this year’s Convention included Dr. Hazel N. Dukes (Spingarn Medalist, NAACP Board of Directors, NAACP New York President), Eleni Kounalakis (Lt. Governor of California), Rob Bonta (California Attorney General), Shevann Steuben (NAACP Texas Youth & College Division President, NAACP Houston, Young Adult Committee Chair, NAACP Board of Directors), Oakland City Councilwoman Treva Reid (District 7) and Los Angeles-based attorney Kamilah Moore (Chair, California Reparations Task Force).

Moore reminded the attendees at the Women In the NAACP

Labor Luncheon on Oct. 28 that the NAACP has been a beacon of light ensuring Black Americans are granted their constitutional rights.

Since Feb. 12, 1909, the NAACP has advocated, agitated, and litigated for civil rights. Its legacy is built on a foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists.

“We are resiliently surviving the afterlife of chattel slavery. In fact, as African Americans we have been confronting these lingering badges and incidents of slavery without any significant government aid or private actions. We’ve been doing it on our own and the NAACP is a testament of that,” Callender said during the luncheon.

Several influential leaders — U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Exodie C. Roe III (General Services Administration, Washington D.C.), NAACP Senior Vice President of Communications Trovon C. Williams — spoke at the convention.

NAACP Cal-Hi’s Youth and College Division hosted multiple workshops, including a “Stop the Hate Mock Trial,” and another titled “Youth Focused Dinner, Juvenile Justice Workshop, and Health Forum.”

On Oct. 27, NAACP Cal-Hi presented an exclusive preview of “The Space Race,” a National Geographic documentary that weaves together stories of Black astronauts seeking to break the bonds of social injustice in their quest to reach for the stars.

On the evening of Oct. 28, Callender joined Dr. Hazel N. Dukes for a fireside chat at the President’s Awards Dinner. Earlier, on the afternoon of Oct. 27, a special “Hats Off Award” ceremony was held honoring Alice Huffman, President Emeritus of the NAACP Cal-HI State Conference, at the WIN Luncheon.

From this day on, the Hats Off Award will be incorporated into the convention to recognize individuals from California and Hawaii who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to social justice and equity.

Huffman was first elected president of the Cal-Hi NAACP in 1999 and served eight terms of unwavering service and provided significant contributions.

She expressed her gratitude for having an award named after her and said she was proud to be around appreciative people at the convention who understood the work she performed for the Cal- Hi NAACP.

“It’s an honor to see all of you, feel your love, feel your understanding and appreciation,” Huffman said. “Let me tell you, it wasn’t always easy, but it was great. I hope that I never let you down. I don’t think that I ever have. I don’t know what else to say to you all but thank you, thank you, thank you.