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“The Ladies In Red” Celebrate 22 Years of Women’s Empowerment

Published

7 years ago

February 9, 2018

Ten ladies in red formal wear enjoy the sold out Ladies In Red Women’s Empowerment 22nd Annual Celebration in the Golden Gate Ballroom of the Concord Hilton that brought together 650 women and two dozen vendors. Left to Right: Sheila Roundtree, Joyce Gray, Pearl Woodard, Marva Hamilton, Leah Hamilton, Pamm Baker, Paula Hood, Brenda Knight (founder), Dora Smith, Jasmin Brazeman. Photo courtesy of Diane Davis – LIR Photography.

It was a sea of red at the Golden Gate ballroom of the Concord Hilton Hotel on Saturday, February 3 at the Ladies in Red 22nd Annual Women’s Empowerment Luncheon. Founded by Brenda Knight, the organization provides motivation, education, and inspiration as tools for women to “Live and Love Life.”

With live entertainment by Top Shelf’s Jukebox and Dora Smith as mistress of ceremonies, ladies elegantly dressed in all red formal attire of shimmering fabrics, beaded gowns, fur wraps, and full length mink coats all accessorized in pearls, diamonds, and ornate red hats. Some were also authentically dressed in roaring 40s attire, with feathers in their hair and headbands.

The sold out event was packed to capacity with tables draped in black cloth and fountains of red and black feathers filling every corner. “Signed, Sealed and Delivered,” blared from the stage as guests took to the dance floor. Gentlemen in tuxedos, dubbed as “The Men in Black,” served as escorts and volunteered throughout the event, ensuring all guests were treated as VIPs.

Two-dozen vendors lined the adjacent corridor of the ballroom featuring clothing from Mr. C’s Sophisticated Silk and Vanessa Winegan’s, Femme Beauty & Boutique among others.

Sponsor John Bishop of Ultra Business Services, shared how it has been an honor to have supported the Ladies in Red and Brenda Knight’s mission over the years. “Brenda has always been driven to help people and make a difference,” he said. “She is a great lady who has brought many people together.”

“As an urban male, during Black History Month, it is delightful to see this many black women aging in range from 15 to 90 embracing, empowering and uplifting each other,” said businessman Robert Arnold. “For Brenda to have done this for 22 years is amazing. I am happy to be here as a volunteer.”

Knight’s husband of 45 years, Harvey, says the event began with 30 women on July 28 of 1973. “Brenda began with 30 women at Geoffrey’s and the organization has grown to 1500 plus members,” he said. “Many women are divorcees, caregivers and they enjoy the sisterhood and getaways that Brenda organizes, like trips to New York or Washington, D.C. Seeing it all come together, is a great feeling every year.”

Knight’s son, Michael has been actively involved in assisting with the Ladies In Red since graduating from Washington State University as a Pac 12 baseball player. While he was drafted by the A’s, but not picked up, Michael has used his BA in Social Work and Psychology and credits his mother for his success. “Without my mom, I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “Whatever my mother needs, as long as she needs it, I will be there for her. She is amazing and I completely support her, my father and the Ladies in Red mission.”

“This is such a great event that brings women together,” said Farmers Insurance agent, Frances Cohen. “We are proud to sponsor the Ladies in Red and support Brenda Knight’s vision.”

“I love the Ladies in Red event,” said pianist vocalist, Janice Maxie Reid.

Knight, a long-time educational advocate, made history in 2002, as the first African American woman to be elected as Chairman of the Board for the Association of Community Colleges Trustees. Currently, Knight inspires women as a public speaker and organizer of trips throughout the year.

“I just want to support and celebrate women and just as I always tell the crowd, ‘We love living and living life.’”

For more information visit: www.Bkladiesinred.com

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Gov. Newsom Goes to Washington to Advocate for California Priorities

Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to Washington, D.C., for meetings with senior Biden-Harris Administration officials and members of California’s congressional delegation. During the week, he pushed for increased resources to improve public safety and quality of life in California.

Published

20 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Oakland Post

Gov. Newsom visits the White House on Nov. 14. Photo courtesy of Gov.Ca. Gov

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to Washington, D.C., for meetings with senior Biden-Harris Administration officials and members of California’s congressional delegation.

During the week, he pushed for increased resources to improve public safety and quality of life in California.

“California is continuing our work to secure additional tools and resources to improve access to health care, clean air and water, and secure critical funding to support communities recovering from disasters,” said Newsom.

At the White House, Newsom met with President Joe Biden and key officials, advocating for disaster relief funding, healthcare expansion, and environmental protection. He also engaged in discussions with senior Biden-Harris officials, including Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, to address water quality improvements and the San Luis Dam project, which will support water supplies for two million Californians.

“Building on our strong partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration, California is working closely with the White House over the next two months to deliver the critical protections and resources our communities need,” Newsom said.

On Capitol Hill, Newsom met with California Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, along with other Congressional leaders, to emphasize the need to approve pending disaster funding, healthcare programs, and environmental protections. He also previewed California’s upcoming special session to proactively address potential federal challenges when President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office.

Newsom’s discussions also focused on securing Medicaid waivers from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to enhance behavioral health services and reduce homelessness. The state seeks approval for the BH-CONNECT waiver, which would address behavioral health and homelessness, and the MCO Tax Waiver, which would provide over $20 billion for Medi-Cal to improve healthcare access.

Additionally, California is pushing for Clean Air Act waivers from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which are crucial for enforcing air quality regulations. These measures are projected to prevent 11,000 premature deaths and provide $116 billion in health benefits over the next three decades, according to the Governor’s office.

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California to Offer $43.7 Million in Federal Grants to Combat Hate Crimes

Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced that 311 California nonprofit and faith-based organizations, including those representing communities targeted by hate crimes, will receive over $43.7 million in federal funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The funding aims to enhance security measures such as reinforced doors, access control systems, and lighting to protect against hate-based violence.

Published

20 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

The funding aims to enhance security measures such as reinforced doors, access control systems, and lighting to protect against hate-based violence.

“An attack against any community is an attack against our entire state and our values. We will protect the ability of every Californian to worship, love, and gather safely without fear of hate or violent attacks. California is continuing to safeguard all communities, including those most at risk,” said Newsom.

California receives 10% of the national allocation, the highest of any state. This funding comes in addition to $76 million in state funding for similar security improvements announced in July 2024. In total, California has invested over $230 million since 2015 to safeguard vulnerable communities.

“California is dedicated to helping our communities stay safe from violent hate crimes and get access to essential financial funding to support those efforts,” said Cal Office of Emergency Services (OES) Director Nancy Ward.

The grants are particularly important as hate crimes, especially against Jewish, Muslim, LGBTQ+, and Black communities, have seen an increase. In response, California has also launched initiatives like the CA vs Hate hotline and website, providing a platform for reporting hate incidents anonymously. Newsom’s administration continues to prioritize the safety of all Californians, with ongoing efforts to combat discrimination and hate violence.

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California Black Media

California Reports First Case of Mpox in the United States

On Nov. 16, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), reported the first known case of clade 1 Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, in the United States. However, the risk to the public remains low, according to the CDPH.

Published

21 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

On Nov. 16, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), reported the first known case of clade 1 Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, in the United States.

However, the risk to the public remains low, according to the CDPH.

“This case was confirmed in an individual who recently traveled from Africa and is related to the ongoing outbreak of clade I mpox in Central and Eastern Africa,” reads a statement the CDPH released.

According to the DDPH, “The affected individual received health care in San Mateo County based on their travel history and symptoms. The individual is isolating at home and recovering.”

Public health workers are also conducting a contact tracing exercise and reaching out to people who have been in close proximity to the affected person.

“The mpox specimens from the traveler are being sent to the CDC for further laboratory testing,” the CDPH press release continues.

Californians can take a number of steps to prevent Mpox. Here’s more information:

Preventing Mpox Infection

It appears clade I mpox spreads in a similar manner as clade II mpox, through close (skin-skin), intimate and sexual contact. The identification of a potentially more severe mpox version in the United States is a good reminder for individuals who have certain risk factors to take preventive action, including:

Getting vaccinated if you may be at risk for mpox. For the greatest protection, make sure you get both doses of the vaccine. Find mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS) near you.
Taking precautions if you were exposed to mpox. Get the mpox vaccine before symptoms develop and consider avoiding intimate contact with others for 21 days. Watch yourself for symptoms and get tested if they develop.
Preventing spread if you have been told you have mpox. Avoid contact with others until the rash is healed, clean and disinfect shared areas in the home, and notify people who may have been exposed.
Talking to your sexual partner(s).
Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with those who have a rash or sores that look like mpox.
Not sharing items with someone who has mpox.
Washing your hands often.
Protecting yourself when caring for someone with mpox by using masks, gowns and gloves.