Opinion
Op-Ed: The Talk
For those of you who think we live in a world of equality let me explain why we must have “The Talk” with our African American youth.
Even though The Talk is a painstaking ordeal for us to explain the art and facts of survival to our children, especially our boys, we must teach them how they must conduct themselves at all times when they leave the confines of their homes.
The facts speak loudly and clearly about encounters with various elements of law enforcement. Therefore, the discussion must emphasize how they respond to the police could determine if they will return home safely.
When talking to family members, loved ones and friends, you should make it very clear that they should comply with the police and not give them any excuse to execute them for some frivolous asinine reason.
It is very important that you explain that not all of the police have ill intent, but they should not inflame or agitate the situation in any manner regardless of the reason for a stop by an officer.
It matters not what the reason is for their interaction with the police, what matters is whether you want to return home intact, not in a coroner’s van or an ambulance.
The Talk must also stress that things could go bad at any moment, especially if the stop is just a pretext for a more sinister reason, because boys must be counseled to not allow the police to get them to become emotional or caught up in a display of feelings.
The Talk must include the warning that “as right as you may be, it is of no importance,” because the most relevant fact is that you don’t lose your life and become yet another victim caught in the cross hairs of police criminality and abuse.
In light of the most recent nationally occurring events involving police officers’ use of force, The Talk should remind our youth that police departments are nervous, fearful, on a high alert and likely won’t hesitate to act without thought.
These acts of violence are tragic across the board, and we should not wish death upon anyone whether they be our men in blue or our people of color.
We have to be smart and not feed the negative public talk that leads to more death and pain.
The sooner that we talk to our God and pray and then have The Talk, then the sooner we can prevent our vulnerable youth, especially African-American boys, from becoming prey to those who misuse their authority.
So, have The Talk soon and be as explicit as possible.
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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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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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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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