Activism
Knot Our Kidz: Monee Brown is on a Mission to Keep Your Children Safe
Monee Brown has dedicated her life to cyber security and keeping children safe. Through her company, Knot Our Kidz, an initiative dedicated to promoting online safety among youth, Brown has generated a movement in the community as a staunch advocate against human trafficking. A retired deputy probation officer in Alameda County, Brown lists the many ways children are vulnerable and how parents and guardians sometimes unassumingly create pathways that predators may take advantage of. Brown, who is based in Oakland, says she witnessed first-hand the alarming trend of youth being solicited and groomed through their cell phones unbeknownst to their parents.

By Carla Thomas
Monee Brown has dedicated her life to cyber security and keeping children safe. Through her company, Knot Our Kidz, an initiative dedicated to promoting online safety among youth, Brown has generated a movement in the community as a staunch advocate against human trafficking.
A retired deputy probation officer in Alameda County, Brown lists the many ways children are vulnerable and how parents and guardians sometimes unassumingly create pathways that predators may take advantage of.
Brown, who is based in Oakland, says she witnessed first-hand the alarming trend of youth being solicited and groomed through their cell phones unbeknownst to their parents.
“Oftentimes parents were unaware of online predators, hadn’t informed their kids of the dos and don’ts of the internet, and weren’t actively monitoring their children’s devices,” she said. “This experience inspired me to create resources to help bridge this gap in knowledge and safety.”
With over 22 years of experience in law enforcement and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Brown says she is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and has written three books to highlight the dangers of online predators.
Her book, “Ready, Set, Game,” highlights the dangers of online gaming. “Operation Don’t Chat Back,” exposes the risks of chatting with strangers online.
Her guide for parents on protecting their children from online predators is entitled “Cyber Pimp: What Every Parent Needs to Know.”
“It’s crucial to educate parents and anyone who has an instrumental role in a child’s life, be it an aunt, grandparents, an uncle, or godparents. These books provide practical tools and engaging narratives that empower children and parents alike to navigate the digital world safely.”
Brown says when children are given digital devices, parents typically don’t know what they are engaging in beyond schoolwork.
“Computers could also expose a child to engaging with strangers and potential predators online. For parents that don’t want their child on the computer, what are the alternatives? Are the students monitored online? What are the precautions taken to protect youth from encountering predators online?
According to Brown, although it may be innocent, sharing information about children on social media easily exposes youth to potential predators.
“When proud parents post pictures on social media of their child’s graduation from middle school, this exposes the child to thousands of people online, because each person has about 500 friends on social media, she says. “If the proud parents post a CashApp to bless a child financially, a predator could use this gift as an act to gain a child’s attention, build trust, and further entice the child.”
Brown says she welcomes organizations and individuals willing to join her in combating predators who target children away and fighting for more protections for children in the cyber world.
For more information visit: www.knotourkidz.com
@PaulCobbOakland @PostNewsGroup @NNPA_BlackPress @BlackPressUSA @knotourkidz @AlamedaCounty @CashApp
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 30, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 3, 2025

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Activism
Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

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Activism
OPINION: Your Voice and Vote Impact the Quality of Your Health Care
One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.

By Rhonda M. Smith, Special to California Black Media Partners
Shortly after last year’s election, I hopped into a Lyft and struck up a conversation with the driver. As we talked, the topic inevitably turned to politics. He confidently told me that he didn’t vote — not because he supported Donald Trump, but because he didn’t like Kamala Harris’ résumé. When I asked what exactly he didn’t like, he couldn’t specifically articulate his dislike or point to anything specific. In his words, he “just didn’t like her résumé.”
That moment really hit hard for me. As a Black woman, I’ve lived through enough election cycles to recognize how often uncertainty, misinformation, or political apathy keep people from voting, especially Black voters whose voices are historically left out of the conversation and whose health, economic security, and opportunities are directly impacted by the individual elected to office, and the legislative branches and political parties that push forth their agenda.
That conversation with the Lyft driver reflects a troubling surge in fear-driven politics across our country. We’ve seen White House executive orders gut federal programs meant to help our most vulnerable populations and policies that systematically exclude or harm Black and underserved communities.
One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.
Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, doesn’t just cover care. It protects individuals and families from medical debt, keeps rural hospitals open, creates jobs, and helps our communities thrive. Simply put; Medicaid is a lifeline for 1 in 5 Black Americans. For many, it’s the only thing standing between them and a medical emergency they can’t afford, especially with the skyrocketing costs of health care. The proposed cuts mean up to 7.2 million Black Americans could lose their healthcare coverage, making it harder for them to receive timely, life-saving care. Cuts to Medicaid would also result in fewer prenatal visits, delayed cancer screenings, unfilled prescriptions, and closures of community clinics. When healthcare is inaccessible or unaffordable, it doesn’t just harm individuals, it weakens entire communities and widens inequities.
The reality is Black Americans already face disproportionately higher rates of poorer health outcomes. Our life expectancy is nearly five years shorter in comparison to White Americans. Black pregnant people are 3.6 times more likely to die during pregnancy or postpartum than their white counterparts.
These policies don’t happen in a vacuum. They are determined by who holds power and who shows up to vote. Showing up amplifies our voices. Taking action and exercising our right to vote is how we express our power.
I urge you to start today. Call your representatives, on both sides of the aisle, and demand they protect Medicaid (Medi-Cal), the Affordable Care Act (Covered CA), and access to food assistance programs, maternal health resources, mental health services, and protect our basic freedoms and human rights. Stay informed, talk to your neighbors and register to vote.
About the Author
Rhonda M. Smith is the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity for all Black Californians.
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