Activism
California Latino Legislative Caucus Celebrates 50th Anniversary
“The issues that are bringing us together as Latinos are California issues, whether it’s housing insecurity and affordability, looking at just the economic disparities that exist,” said Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside), the first LGBTQ+ leader and chair of the CLLC. “These are all issues that have continued to be a priority for our caucus and issues that many of our members fight on.”
By Solomon O. Smith | California Black Media
The California Latino Legislative Caucus (CLLC) celebrated its 50th anniversary with a black-tie event at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles last Friday. The event was a retrospective awards ceremony, honoring the achievements of the caucus over the past five decades.
Initially known as the Chicano Legislative Caucus, the CLLC was made up of five male Latino members: Alex Garcia, Peter Chacon, Joseph Montoya, Ray Gonzales and Richard Alatorre, according to their history page.
Today, under the leadership of Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside), the first LGBTQ+ leader and chair of the CLLC, the caucus boasts 38 members, with a majority of 21 Latinas. Cervantes recognized the significant expansion of the caucus over the past 50 years.
“The issues that are bringing us together as Latinos are California issues, whether it’s housing insecurity and affordability, looking at just the economic disparities that exist,” said Cervantes. “These are all issues that have continued to be a priority for our caucus and issues that many of our members fight on.”
Martha Escutia, the first woman to chair the CLLC and a former member of the California Senate and Assembly with over 16 years in politics was featured in a short film played at the celebration. The film, narrated by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the writer and star of “Hamilton,” traced the 50-year history of the caucus.
Escutia considered the 1980 reapportionment which allowed for greater representation of the Latino community, as a key turning point. While she takes pride in the caucus’ accomplishments, she believes there is still more to be achieved.
“The problems are still the same: lack of housing, lack of economic sustainability for families, just even building a safety net for families,” said Escutia. “It’s still an issue that bedevils, frankly, all caucuses because I think, the Black Caucus also has the same concerns, as well as even the Asian American-Pacific Islander caucus.”
Hilda Solis, who is supervisor for the First District, Los Angeles County, presented a congratulatory document from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors at the red-carpet event to Cervantes and the caucus’ vice chair, California State Senator Lena Gonzalez.
Solis, a former member of the California Assembly and Senate, is the first Latina to serve in a presidential Cabinet as U.S. Secretary of Labor.
The evening’s speakers were some of the most accomplished artists, actors, politicians, and public servants in the Latino community.
The Masters of Ceremonies for the event were Tony Plana, an activist, director, and actor known for his role in “Ugly Betty” and Justina Mochado, an actor and producer, known for her performance in the series, “The Horrors of Delores Roach,” and “One Day at a Time.”
Xavier Becerra, the 25th Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, was the keynote speaker. His rise through the ranks of the California legislative system has been a testament to overcoming obstacles.
He began his political career in the California state assembly, progressed to the U.S. House of Representatives, and then served as the 33rd attorney general of California, before assuming his current position under President Joe Biden. He talked about how far the state, and the caucus, have come saying “so goes the caucus, so goes the state of California.”
The evening’s celebrations were not just about the caucus’s legislative achievements. The awards also acknowledged the efforts made by and for the Hispanic community. Poets Yesika Salgado and Yosimar Reyes performed a poem that encapsulated the experiences of young Latino immigrants.
The event also featured a segment dedicated to giving back. Sixty-one students from across the state took to the stage to express their gratitude to the caucus for their support of higher education. The California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation gave $5,000 to each student who represented different regions across the state.
The evening concluded with the presentation of the Legacy Award to multiple organizations. The recipients included the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund, accepted by Thomas Saenz; the United Farm Workers, received by Teresa Romero; and the California Rural Legal Assistance, accepted by Jessica Jewell.
Musical and special performances were spread throughout the show. The band Quitapenas, Jesse Garcia, and others celebrated and performed. The evening ended with a musical performance by music legend Andy Vargas and his band. Vargas is a beloved member of Santana and a giant in the Latin music scene.
According to CLLC vice chair, Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), the future of the caucus hinges on its capacity to advance legislation and advocate for an inclusive agenda.
“We’ll continue to fight to make sure that our voices are heard along with our brothers and sisters in the Black Caucus, API caucus and LGBTQ caucus,” said Gonzalez. “It’s a collective for all of us to be a part of, and when we push together, I think we’re more unified. Looking at next year to think about how we can partner up with our other ethnic caucuses.”
Activism
Books for Ghana
We effectively facilitated cross-continent community building! We met the call and provided 400 books for ASC’s students at the call of the Minister of Education. We supported the work of a new African writer whose breakout novel is an action-packed depiction of a young woman steeped in Ghanaian culture who travels to the USA for college, all the while experiencing the twists, turns, and uncertainties that life brings.
By Min. Rauna Thurston, Chief Mpuntuhene Afua Ewusiwa I
My travels to Afrika began in June 2022, on a tour led by Prof. Manu Ampim, Director of the organization Advancing The Research. I was scheduled to become an ordained Minister by Wo’se Community of the Sacred African Way. It was vital that my feet touch the soil of Kemet and my spirit connect with the continent’s people before ordination.
Since 2022, I’ve made six trips to Afrika. During my travels, I became a benefactor to Abeadze State College (ASC) in Abeadze Dominase, Ghana, originally founded by Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII, Paramount Chief of Abeadze Traditional Area and now run by the government. The students there were having trouble with English courses, which are mandatory. The Ghanaian Minister of Education endorsed a novel written by 18-year-old female Ghanaian first-time writer, Nhyira Esaaba Essel, titled Black Queen Sceptre. The idea was that if the students had something more interesting to read, it would evoke a passion for reading; this seemed reasonable to me. Offer students something exciting and imaginative, combined with instructors committed to their success and this could work.
The challenge is how to acquire 800 books?!
I was finishing another project for ASC, so my cash was thin and I was devoid of time to apply for annual grants. I sat on my porch in West Oakland, as I often do, when I’m feeling for and connecting to my ancestors. On quiet nights, I reminisce about the neighborhood I grew up in. Across the street from my house was the house that my Godfather, Baba Dr. Wade Nobles and family lived in, which later became The Institute for the Advanced Study of Black Family Life & Culture (IASBFLC). Then, it came to me…ancestors invited me to reach out to The Association of Black Psychologists – Bay Area Chapter (ABPsi-Bay Area)! It was a long shot but worth it!
I was granted an audience with the local ABPsi Board, who ultimately approved funding for the book project with a stipulation that the Board read the book and a request to subsequently offer input as to how the book would be implemented at ASC. In this moment, my memory jet set to my first ABPsi convention around 2002, while working for IASBFLC. Returning to the present, I thought, “They like to think because it feels good, and then, they talk about what to do about what they think about.” I’m doomed.
However, I came to understand why reading the book and offering suggestions for implementation were essential. In short: ABPsi is an organization that operates from the aspirational principles of Ma’at with aims of liberating the Afrikan Mind, empowering the Afrikan character, and enlivening: illuminating the Afrikan spirit. Their request resulted in a rollout of 400 books in a pair-share system. Students checked out books in pairs, thereby reducing our bottom line to half of the original cost because we purchased 50% fewer units. This nuance promoted an environment of Ujima (collective work & responsibility) and traditional Afrikan principles of cooperation and interdependence. The student’s collaborative approach encouraged shared responsibility, not only for the physical book but for each other’s success. This concept was Dr. Lawford Goddard’s, approved by the Board, with Dr. Patricia “Karabo” Nunley at the helm.
We effectively facilitated cross-continent community building! We met the call and provided 400 books for ASC’s students at the call of the Minister of Education. We supported the work of a new African writer whose breakout novel is an action-packed depiction of a young woman steeped in Ghanaian culture who travels to the USA for college, all the while experiencing the twists, turns, and uncertainties that life brings. (A collectible novel for all ages). A proposed future phase of this collaborative project is for ASC students to exchange reflective essays on Black Queen Sceptre with ABPsi Bay Area members.
We got into good trouble. To order Black Queen Sceptre, email esselewurama14@gmail.com.
I became an ordained Minister upon returning from my initial pilgrimage to Afrika. Who would have imagined that my travels to Afrika would culminate in me becoming a citizen of Sierra Leone and recently being named a Chief Mpuntuhene under Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII, Paramount Chief of Abeadze Traditional Area in Ghana, where I envision continued collaborations.
Min. Rauna/Chief Mpuntuhene is a member of ABPsi Bay Area, a healing resource committed to providing the Post Newspaper readership with monthly discussions about critical issues in Black Mental Health, Wealth & Wellness. Readers are welcome to join us at our monthly chapter meetings every 3rd Saturday via Zoom and contact us at bayareaabpsi@gmail.com.
Activism
2024 in Review: Seven Questions for Frontline Doulas
California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Frontline Doulas’ co-founder Khefri Riley. She reflected on Frontline’s accomplishments this year and the organization’s goals moving forward.
By Edward Henderson, California Black Media
Frontline Doulas provides African American families non-medical professional perinatal services at no cost.
This includes physical, emotional, informational, psychosocial and advocacy support during the pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period. Women of all ages — with all forms of insurance — are accepted and encouraged to apply for services.
California Black Media (CBM) spoke with co-founder Khefri Riley. She reflected on Frontline’s accomplishments this year and the organization’s goals moving forward.
Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why?
In 2024, we are humbled to have been awarded the contract for the Los Angeles County Medical Doula Hub, which means that we are charged with creating a hub of connectivity and support for generating training and helping to create the new doula workforce for the medical doula benefit that went live in California on Jan. 1, 2023.
How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians?
We believe that the revolution begins in the womb. What we mean by that is we have the potential and the ability to create intentional generational healing from the moment before a child was conceived, when a child was conceived, during this gestational time, and when a child is born.
And there’s a traditional saying in Indigenous communities that what we do now affects future generations going forward. So, the work that we do with birthing families, in particular Black birthing families, is to create powerful and healthy outcomes for the new generation so that we don’t have to replicate pain, fear, discrimination, or racism.
What frustrated you the most over the last year?
Working in reproductive justice often creates a heavy burden on the organization and the caregivers who deliver the services most needed to the communities. So, oftentimes, we’re advocating for those whose voices are silenced and erased, and you really have to be a warrior to stand strong and firm.
What inspired you the most over the last year?
My great-grandmother. My father was his grandmother’s midwife assistant when he was a young boy. I grew up with their medicine stories — the ways that they healed the community and were present to the community, even amidst Jim Crow.
What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?
I find that you have to reach for your highest vision, and you have to stand firm in your value. You have to raise your voice, speak up and demand, and know your intrinsic value.
In a word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?
Amplification. We cannot allow our voices to be silent.
What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?
I really would like to see a reduction in infant mortality and maternal mortality within our communities and witness this new birth worker force be supported and integrated into systems. So, that way, we fulfill our goal of healthy, unlimited birth in the Black community and indeed in all birthing communities in Los Angeles and California.
Activism
U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries Speaks on Democracy at Commonwealth Club
Based on his first speech as House minority leader, “The ABCs of Democracy” by Grand Central Publishing is an illustrated children’s book for people of all ages. Each letter contrasts what democracy is and isn’t, as in: “American Values over Autocracy”, “Benevolence over Bigotry” and “The Constitution over the Cult.”
By Linda Parker Pennington
Special to The Post
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries addressed an enthusiastic overflow audience on Monday at San Francisco’s Commonwealth Club, launching his first book, “The ABCs of Democracy.”
Based on his first speech as House minority leader, “The ABCs of Democracy” by Grand Central Publishing is an illustrated children’s book for people of all ages.
Each letter contrasts what democracy is and isn’t, as in: “American Values over Autocracy”, “Benevolence over Bigotry” and “The Constitution over the Cult.”
Less than a month after the election that will return Donald Trump to the White House, Rep. Jeffries also gave a sobering assessment of what the Democrats learned.
“Our message just wasn’t connecting with the real struggles of the American people,” Jeffries said. “The party in power is the one that will always pay the price.”
On dealing with Trump, Jeffries warned, “We can’t fall into the trap of being outraged every day at what Trump does. That’s just part of his strategy. Remaining calm in the face of turmoil is a choice.”
He pointed out that the razor-thin margin that Republicans now hold in the House is the lowest since the Civil War.
Asked what the public can do, Jeffries spoke about the importance of being “appropriately engaged. Democracy is not on autopilot. It takes a citizenry to hold politicians accountable and a new generation of young people to come forward and serve in public office.”
With a Republican-led White House, Senate, House and Supreme Court, Democrats must “work to find bi-partisan common ground and push back against far-right extremism.”
He also described how he is shaping his own leadership style while his mentor, Speaker-Emeritus Nancy Pelosi, continues to represent San Francisco in Congress. “She says she is not hanging around to be like the mother-in-law in the kitchen, saying ‘my son likes his spaghetti sauce this way, not that way.’”
-
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
-
California Black Media4 weeks ago
California Department of Aging Offers Free Resources for Family Caregivers in November
-
Activism3 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of November 27 – December 3, 2024
-
Activism4 weeks ago
OCCUR Hosts “Faith Forward” Conference in Oakland
-
Activism4 weeks ago
Richmond Seniors Still Having a Ball After 25 Years
-
Activism2 weeks ago
Butler, Lee Celebrate Passage of Bill to Honor Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm with Congressional Gold Medal