Economics
Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Wall Street Economic Project Summit Plans Global Impact
Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH recently held a Wall Street Project Economic Summit to bring together the power of Main Street, Wall Street and Silicon Valley.
Hosted at the Sheraton Times Square in New York City, the weeklong convention featured Steve Ballmer, new owner of the Los Angeles Clippers; World Bank President Dr. Jim Yong; National Newspaper Publisher Association President John W. Rogers Jr.; Ariel Investments CEO & Chief Investment Officer Cloves C. Campbell Jr.; and Black Enterprise President and Chief Executive Officer Earl G. Graves Jr.
<p><p>
“We have the power to make great change, and by connecting everyone in the sectors of capital, tech and corporate American, we can create solutions to some of the world’s greatest problems,” said Jackson.
Jackson has already been instrumental in getting Silicon Valley tech titans to publicly share their statistics on diversity and inclusion and has successfully helped Intel lead the way in a $300 million commitment to the cause over the next five years.
Intel Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer Rosalind Hudnell said her company is at the forefront of change.
“We are committed to changing the landscape of Silicon Valley and by committing dollars to pipelines that contribute to the diversity of our company and the world of tech is a step in the right direction,” she said. “It has been amazing having a partner in the Rev. Jackson and Rainbow PUSH.”
“We are excited about capital commitments, Intel’s role, and we expect to see jobs created and more under-represented people employed,” said Butch Wing, Rainbow PUSH’s Director of Communications.
“What we are seeing today is once again more a matter of economics,” said author and economist Dr. Julianne Malveaux.
“Racism still exists, but if we can eradicate the economic disparities, we will see great change,” she said.
Black Enterprise publisher Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. hosted a luncheon at the convention honoring its top “40 Best Companies for Diversity.”
The publisher also presented copies of the magazine’s January 2015 edition, highlighting each company. “We must celebrate companies that are ensuring that our community receives more opportunities, and inclusion is a large part of their platform,” Graves said.
Shawn Granberry, CEO of Watch Now Networks, Inc. attended the convention for the first time and hosted a press conference and panel discussion on the Business of Hip Hop.
“Hip hop is a multi-billion dollar business, and Hip Hop TV will be at the core of developing high-end content for the industry and developing revenue streams for artists as well as harnessing the power of hip hop as a voice for change in the world,” he said.
For more information visit: rainbowpushwallstreet.org, hiphoptv.com, or hiphopunion.org.
Activism
2024 in Review: 7 Questions for Outgoing Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln
Lincoln’s decision to run for mayor stemmed from his love of people and his desire to serve his city. He prioritized resolving issues, including homelessness and public safety, among others. Lincoln, a Republican, will transition out of his role as mayor on Dec. 31, after an unsuccessful campaign to represent the 9th Congressional District.
![Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln. Photo provided by California Black Media.](https://www.postnewsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mayor-kevin-lincoln-featured-web.jpg)
By Edward Henderson
California Black Media
Born in Stockton, Mayor Kevin Lincoln says his Army upbringing inspired him to serve others.
Lincoln joined the United States Marine Corps in 2001 and was later assigned to Marine One, serving during President George W. Bush’s administration.
Following his military service, Lincoln worked for one of the nation’s top private security companies for eight years in Silicon Valley. In 2013, he resigned from his corporate position to give back to his community in Stockton through full-time ministry at a local church.
Lincoln’s decision to run for mayor stemmed from his love of people and his desire to serve his city. He prioritized resolving issues, including homelessness and public safety, among others.
Lincoln, a Republican, will transition out of his role as mayor on Dec. 31, after an unsuccessful campaign to represent the 9th Congressional District.
Recently, California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Lincoln. He reflected on his accomplishments this year and his goals moving forward.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why?
What I prioritize for our city council is our youth. They are the future — not only our city, but this region as a whole.
We were able to invest over $6 million in youth programming and workforce development, and partner with 14 different community-based organizations. We were able to employ over 600 young people through the city of Stockton. We launched even our first ever summer jobs program for the city of Stockton.
How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians?
It’s about giving people a seat at the table, and not necessarily waiting for people to come to me, but me going to the community, making myself accessible, meeting our community at the point of their need, where they’re at.
What frustrated you the most over the last year?
It’s politics. Because unfortunately, there’s politics in everything. And I say politics impedes progress. You can have a policy, a solution that may not necessarily be 100% perfect. But it’s a good solution for everybody. But because we allow politics to get in the way based off our personal ideologies, oftentimes we can miss opportunities to make an impact for the benefit of the whole.
What inspired you the most over the last year?
My biggest inspiration has been the community and our ability to work together. What’s unique about Stockton, one in 20 jobs are nonprofit jobs in the city of Stockton and even San Joaquin County.
What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?
To stay focused. In politics, there’s a lot of opportunity for distractions. There are a lot of influences from the outside — good, bad and indifferent. It’s important to stay focused, have a clear vision, and be committed to that vision.
In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?
Economics. When the economy is not healthy, when we’re not thriving, we’re limited. Opportunities are limited.
What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?
I just want to continue to be a servant leader and serve our community in whatever capacity I am in.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of December 18 – 24, 2024
![](https://www.postnewsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/oakland-post-final-12-18-24-featured-web.jpg)
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
Activism
Council of Islamic Relations Applauds Alameda County Decision to Divest $32M from Caterpillar
The divestment from Caterpillar, a company criticized for its human rights abuses globally—including the destruction of Palestinian homes, infrastructure, and agriculture, as well as in the U.S. prison-industrial complex, border militarization, and immigration detention centers—is a significant step in ensuring that Alameda County’s financial resources do not perpetuate harm.
![CAIR-SFBA Policy Coordinator Musa Tariq. Courtesy photo.](https://www.postnewsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/musa-tariq-featured-web.jpg)
Special to The Post
The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, this week welcomed the Alameda County Board of Supervisors’ decision to divest $32 million in public funds from Caterpillar and unanimously commit to adopting an ethical investment policy.
The Board’s decision follows months of advocacy by Bay Area Divest!, a coalition of community organizations calling for accountability in public investments.
The divestment from Caterpillar, a company criticized for its human rights abuses globally—including the destruction of Palestinian homes, infrastructure, and agriculture, as well as in the U.S. prison-industrial complex, border militarization, and immigration detention centers—is a significant step in ensuring that Alameda County’s financial resources do not perpetuate harm.
In November, CAIR welcomed the reported freeze on the delivery of bulldozers to Israel as an “implicit admission” by the Biden Administration that the far-right Netanyahu government is using that equipment in the ethnic cleansing of Gaza.
CAIR-SFBA Policy Coordinator Musa Tariq said:
“This is a historic moment for Alameda County, demonstrating the power of community advocacy and the County’s leadership in ethical governance. The decision to divest from Caterpillar sends a clear message that public funds should not support corporations complicit in human rights violations.”
In addition to divesting from Caterpillar, the Board voted to move forward with developing a comprehensive Ethical Investment Policy, recommended by District 5 Supervisor Keith Carson.
This policy will include criteria to exclude “investments in industries, corporations, or governments that perpetuate harm to communities and the planet,” such as fossil fuel extraction, weapons production, and entities involved in war crimes, apartheid, and other severe human rights violations.
Alameda County has a proud legacy of socially responsible investment. In 1985, the County divested from South Africa to protest apartheid, and in 1996, it barred investments in companies doing business with Burma due to human rights abuses.
“This forward-thinking policy positions Alameda County as a leader in socially responsible investing,” added Tariq. “By committing to craft the policy within 90 days and implement it within six months, the County has set an ambitious and commendable timeline.”
CAIR-SFBA is an office of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
-
California Black Media4 weeks ago
California to Offer $43.7 Million in Federal Grants to Combat Hate Crimes
-
Black History4 weeks ago
Emeline King: A Trailblazer in the Automotive Industry
-
California Black Media4 weeks ago
Gov. Newsom Goes to Washington to Advocate for California Priorities
-
Activism4 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of November 27 – December 3, 2024
-
California Black Media4 weeks ago
California Department of Aging Offers Free Resources for Family Caregivers in November
-
Activism2 weeks ago
Butler, Lee Celebrate Passage of Bill to Honor Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm with Congressional Gold Medal
-
Activism2 weeks ago
Post News Group to Host Second Town Hall on Racism, Hate Crimes
-
Activism2 weeks ago
Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae Chapters Host World AIDS Day Event