Berkeley

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Sworn in As President, Vice President of the United States

Outgoing President Donald Trump did not attend the inauguration, making him the first president in 150 years not to attend his successor’s inaugural ceremony. Trump departed from the White House for the last time Wednesday morning, heading to Florida — a haven of Trump support — where numerous news outlets have reported he will be living post-presidency, instead of New York City, where he lived previously. Former Vice President Mike Pence did attend the ceremony, however.

Published

4 years ago

January 21, 2021

Kiki

Joe Biden was sworn in Wednesday just before noon as the 46^th president of the United States, bringing to an end a tumultuous four years under Donald Trump.

Former California Senator Kamala Harris was also sworn in as vice president, making history as the first Black woman and first woman of Asian descent to hold that office. Harris, who was born in Oakland and raised in Berkeley, is also the first Bay Area native to serve as vice president.

“Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause — the cause of democracy,” Biden said during his inaugural address. “The will of the people has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded. We have learned again that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.”

Freshman Georgia Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock were also sworn in Wednesday afternoon, officially giving Democrats control of the House, Senate, and White House for the first time since 2010. Democrats have a slim margin in the House and a 50-50 split with Republicans in the Senate, where Harris can cast the tie-breaking vote.

Chuck Schumer will serve as Senate majority leader and have the power to set the calendar and agenda for the Senate, whereas Mitch McConnell, who stonewalled Democratic House bills under Trump, will now be the minority leader.

Biden was sworn in by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, while Harris was sworn in by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who made history herself as the first Latinx woman to sit on the Supreme Court. Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, is also now the first “Second Gentleman” in U.S. history.

Harris was accompanied into the ceremony by the official marching band for her alma mater, Howard University. She also wore pearls, the signature symbol for her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA).

Biden struck a tone of reconciliation in his speech, calling on the country to resist “political extremism” and “white supremacy” and to come together to address crises of COVID, the economy, racial injustice, and the climate.

“Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this: Bringing America together,” he said. “Uniting our people. And uniting our nation. I ask every American to join me in this cause.”

Biden added: “For without unity, there is no peace, only bitterness and fury.

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Progressive Missionary Baptist Church of Berkeley Celebrates 90th Anniversary

Dr. Earl C. Stuckey, Sr., who has served as Progressive Missionary’s pastor since September 1977, said the church also delights in the fact that it has hosted only five pastors in its 90-year history, including Pastors James E. Moore, H. A. Green, F. Douglas Farrell, and Edward Stovall, who served for 37 years.

Published

2 weeks ago

May 16, 2025

Oakland Post

Progressive Missionary Baptist Poster. Dr. Earl C. Stuckey, Sr., Pastor of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Berkeley with his wife, Kay Frances Stuckey.

By Oakland Post Staff

The Progressive Missionary Baptist Church of Berkeley is celebrating its 90th church anniversary on Sunday, May 18 at 10 a.m. at 3301 King Street in Berkeley.

The celebration will feature Pastor Darnell Manuel of the Union Baptist Church in Vallejo as guest speaker, along with many other special presentations.

Those who wish to share in Progressive’s history can purchase a 100-page full-colored souvenir book for $25.

The church boasts a number of notable people who either regularly attended or became members of the church since its inception, including former Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Oakland mayoral candidate Loren Taylor, and one of the organizers of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Helen J. H. Stephens.

Pastor Stuckey often remarks how longevity flourishes at the church — it boasts 13 centenarians (people who have reached 100 years or more). Currently, it has one centenarian who is still surviving, Mrs. Dorothy Chambers, and 14 members who have reached 90 years or more.

Recently, on Feb.17, the pastor and his wife Kay Frances, celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.

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Activism

Faces Around the Bay: Author Karen Lewis Took the ‘Detour to Straight Street’

“My life has been a roller-coaster with an unlimited ride wristband! I was raised in Berkeley during the time of Ron Dellums, the Black Panthers, and People’s Park. I was a Hippie kid, my Auntie cut off all our hair so we could wear the natural styles like her and Angela Davis.

Published

1 month ago

April 28, 2025

Oakland Post

Karen Lewis. Courtesy photo.

By Barbara Fluhrer

I met Karen Lewis on a park bench in Berkeley. She wrote her story on the spot.

I got married young, then ended up getting divorced, raising two boys into men. After my divorce, I had a stroke that left me blind and paralyzed. I was homeless, lost in a fog with blurred vision.

Jesus healed me! I now have two beautiful grandkids. At 61, this age and this stage, I am finally free indeed. Our Lord Jesus Christ saved my soul. I now know how to be still. I lay at his feet. I surrender and just rest. My life and every step on my path have already been ordered. So, I have learned in this life…it’s nice to be nice. No stressing, just blessings. Pray for the best and deal with the rest.

Nobody is perfect, so forgive quickly and love easily!”

Lewis’ book “Detour to Straight Street” is available on Amazon.

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Golden State Warriors Program Is Inspiring Next Generation of Female Engineers

Breaking down barriers and biases that deter young girls from pursuing STEAM subjects is essential for creating a level playing field and ensuring equal opportunities for all. By challenging stereotypes and promoting a culture of inclusivity and diversity in STEAM fields, experts believe young girls can be empowered to pursue their interests and aspirations without limitations confidently. Encouraging mentorship, providing access to resources, and celebrating girls’ achievements in STEAM are all crucial steps in creating a supportive environment that fosters success.

Published

2 months ago

March 23, 2025

Oakland Post

Front Row: UC Berkeley Steel Bridge Team Back Row: Girls, Inc. Participants. Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

The Golden State Warriors and e-commerce giant Rakuten are joining forces to inspire the next generation of female engineers through Building STEAM Futures, part of The City Calls campaign.

Organizers say the initiative is founded on the idea that science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) are crucial fields for innovation and progress, and empowering young girls to pursue careers in these areas is more important than ever. Studies consistently show that girls are underrepresented in STEAM fields, resulting in a gender disparity that limits potential and hinders diversity.

On Saturday, March 8, International Women’s Day, the Warriors and Rakuten hosted 20 middle school girls from Girls Inc. of Alameda County at Chase Center’s Above the Rim for a hands-on bridge-building experience. The young girls from Girls, Inc. of Alameda County had an opportunity to design, build and test their own bridge prototypes and learn the fundamentals of bridge construction from the Engineering Alliance and the UC Berkeley Steel Bridge Team.

This STEAM experience for the girls followed the first session in January, where they took a behind-the-scenes tour of the Golden Gate Bridge, learning about its design and construction from industry experts. The City Calls campaign, tipped off with the unveiling the Warriors’ new bridge-themed City Edition jerseys and court design earlier this year.