Featured
Meet the Moore’s: Millennials Wedding Blends Traditional with New Visions
Myisha and Armon. Photo by Zha Zha Liang Photography + Design
Traditional wedding culture blended seamlessly with visionary new age creativity, to produce a magical wedding experience at the Cathedral of Christ the Light. Father Jay Matthews officiated at last Saturday’s ceremony as bride Myisha Chapple, and groom Armon Moore culminated their fairytale engagement that went viral on the internet last year.
Armon proposed to Myisha in Havana Cuba. Myisha had made reservations at one of Cuba’s most popular restaurants, La Guarida to celebrate Armon’s birthday. Little did she know, he planned the entire trip to pull off a surprise proposal. Renting out the entire top floor of the restaurant, he hired a thirty-piece orchestra to play their favorite Kanye West song, “All of the Lights” as he got down on one knee. She said “Yes” twice!
Moore, who describes himself as “a new generation creative” is passionate about technology, culture and everything that surrounds it:” From Atlanta Georgia, Armon graduated summa cum laude from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a BS in Art and Design, in addition to Graphic Communications, and received an MA in Art & Design from Savannah College. Moore is Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of “ImpactFlow” and has 13 years’ experience in digital media. ImpactFlow is located in Portland Oregon.
Myisha Chapple hails from the Bay Area, previously residing in San Francisco with her mother, Oakland educator Tonia Chapple. Myisha graduated from St. Marys’ in Moraga in 2003 with a degree in Business Communications, and has assisted non-profit and for profit businesses create their brand. Myisha and Armon met when she planned an event for Armon’s company. She moved to Portland after attaining a position with Nike.
The Moore’s intimate wedding party included maid of honor Blaine Abate, and best man Shawn Pringle, their childhood friends. The couple requested that all attendees dress in white formals and black tuxedos, making the entire congregation the wedding party.
That type of planning is what made this Millennials wedding veer from the traditional. Wearing a delicate lace and organza dress with a nine-foot train, the bride carried a huge rosary instead
of a bouquet as she walked down the aisle to “Ave Maria.”
Blending traditional with new age, their different point of view regarding marriage was apparent at the reception where attendees were introduced to their “brand”, which was on their program, topped their wedding cake, and was projected on a spectacular wall of the 16th street train station in West Oakland.
The 16th Street Station opened on August 1, 1912 and served as the terminus for the trans-continental railway, peaking in the 1920’s and was the first place where over 20,000 African American car porters were employed and unionized.
The bride and groom arrived to the reception in a black and silver BMWi8, and as the wing-doors lifted, the radiant bride and handsome groom emerged to greet their guest. Since age 8, Myisha dreamed of ballerinas at her wedding, and Armon likes to make dreams come true.
Nine beautiful ballerinas of all races and hues danced before the bride and grown, as a small drone flew overhead recording the reception. Myisha presented Armon with a life-size portrait of him in his favorite jean jacket wearing a crown, painted by Maxwell Dickson.
Armon’s parents are Mr. Eugene and Mrs. Andrea Moore from Georgia. Myisha parents are Tonia Chapple from Hayward and Mr. John Chapple from West Virginia.
The Bride and Groom are honeymooning in Cabo, Mexico. #LIVELAUGHMOORE
California Black Media
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.
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.
California Black Media
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.
By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
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.
“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.
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.
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.
Visit the CDPH website to learn more about Mpox with Sexual Health Toolkits and a Campaign Materials Page.
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