Community
Practitioners of African Traditional Religion Offer 5th Annual Ancestral Reverence Ritual Oct. 31
The Council for Global Ancestral Reverence, a group of elders who practice African Traditional Religion (ATR), is moving into its fifth year in appealing to the blessed ancestors with an updated format and intensified focus on voting as a sacred act. The virtual ritual will begin on Thursday, Oct. 31, and end five days later on Nov. 4, the eve of Election Day.
Special to The Post
The Council for Global Ancestral Reverence, a group of elders who practice African Traditional Religion (ATR), is moving into its fifth year in appealing to the blessed ancestors with an updated format and intensified focus on voting as a sacred act.
The virtual ritual will begin on Thursday, Oct. 31, and end five days later on Nov. 4, the eve of Election Day.
Begun in 2020 as victims of the pandemic died by the thousands, hastily mourned and sometimes interred in mass graves, the virtual prayer ritual was designed to bring survivors together survivors from around the world.
At the time, the Council committed to seven years of annual prayers of elevation for the dead to project forward for seven generations. Though the specific circumstances giving rise to the ritual changed as the pandemic subsided, the threat to global well-being continues as we watch genocide unfold in Gaza, and multi-layered crises in Haiti, Sudan, and Mali.
This year, they also encourage everyone within their reach to vote because it is not only a secular and political act, but a sacred one because our ancestors who were denied and died for that right, which is under ruthless attack by force that would undo those accomplishments.
Called ‘Ancestral Souls Rising,’ the prayers will be led by the councilmembers and 15 priests who are in or from parts of the African diaspora: Brazil, Nigeria, Portugal, Haiti and the U.S.
Through the ritual, modeled on one created by the elder priests of Oyotunji Village in South Carolina who composed a view of the Nine Layers of the Soul, the trauma and grief experienced by people of African descent can be identified and healed.
On the first day of the ritual, practitioners will share images from their altars, pour libations and pray in the languages of their forbears – Yoruba, Edo, Fon, and Haitian Kryole– as well as English. On the remaining days of the ritual, prayers will address various layers of the soul in this order: universal, astral, ancestral, human, guardian, sexual, racial, historical and national.
It was and is their intention, then, to use the cultural wisdom, the gift of prayer “and the most sacred thing we have, our breath, to send energy into the world that invokes and honors our Ancestors,” the council said in a statement.
“The Council speaks about those who live on the other side of the veil,” said Dr. Cathy (IyaBeji) Royal. “We honor them (by) advocating for the struggle that they waged so we could live as free as possible. Now the work of the Council is to carry that struggle and that freedom forward.”
To the councilmembers, all over the age of 60, the uttered prayer and the sacred breath are oaths to an unfolding future that people still have some ability to shape.
“I am in awe with the openness of our community to foster a global connection paying homage to the sacrifices our ancestors made,” the newest member, Jennifer Dillard said..
The members of the council are: Dr. Iyabeji Cathy Royal (Maryland), Iyalocha Jennifer Dillard (Virginia), and Ohen Nedra T. Williams and Iyalocha Wanda Ravernell-Stewart (Oakland).
The Council is accepting donations to support the tech crew, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
For tickets, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/council-for-global-ancestral-reverence-presents-ancestral-souls-rising-24-tickets-1034436396107\
California Black Media
Ahead of Nov. Election, Event to Check Pulse of California’s Political Landscape
The Public Policy Institute of California is hosting a “2024 Speaker Series on California’s Future,” a preview event outlining the political landscape of the state and the nation ahead of the upcoming November elections. The event, which will be held Sept. 26 from 12 noon to 1 p.m., will include a panel of prominent political journalists who will assess the mood of the electorate and discuss themes and issues that are likely to shape the election outcome in November.
By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
The Public Policy Institute of California is hosting a “2024 Speaker Series on California’s Future,” a preview event outlining the political landscape of the state and the nation ahead of the upcoming November elections.
The event, which will be held Sept. 26 from 12 noon to 1 p.m., will include a panel of prominent political journalists who will assess the mood of the electorate and discuss themes and issues that are likely to shape the election outcome in November.
The welcome and opening remarks of the event will be led by Tani Cantil-Sakauye, the president and chief executive officer of the PPIC. The discussion will be moderated by FOX 11 news anchor Elex Michaelson, journalists joining the conversation include senior political writer Joe Garofoli of the San Francisco Chronicle, national politics reporter Astead Herndon of the The New York Times, political correspondent for KQED Marisa Lagos, and senior political reporter POLITICO Melanie Mason.
A statewide survey by the PPIC revealed key findings that highlighted people’s concerns regarding candidates of choice for the 2024 presidential election, the 10 state propositions on the ballot, and the financial direction of the state in the next 12 months.
Since Vice President Kamala Harris replaced President Joe Biden as the Democratic Party standard bearer, 6 in 10 California likely voters support the Democratic presidential ticket compared to the Republican party and other candidates.
“Californians’ support for the Democratic presidential candidate — and partisans’ overwhelming preference for their party’s candidates — were the consistent trends before Harris replaced Biden,” the survey report stated.
Among the 10 ballot measures, approximately 71% of voters are expected to vote yes on Proposition 36, allowing felony charges and increased sentences for some drug and theft crimes.
According to the survey, the majority of voters, “think it is a good thing that a majority of voters can make laws and change public policies by passing initiatives.” Voters agree that initiatives on the ballot, “bring up important public policy issues that the Governor and Legislature have not adequately addressed.”
The survey also revealed that nearly half of voters think the state and country are headed in the wrong direction and expect financial struggles in the next 12 months.
The event will be held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento.
The PPIC Speaker Series on California’s Future invites thought leaders and changemakers to address challenges in the state. Residents can visit the PPIC website for more information and register for the event available online and in person.
Alameda County
Access Better Health with Medically Tailored Meals – Transforming Health Through Nutrition for Medi-Cal Patients
Launched in 2018, the Medically Tailored Meals pilot program was designed to help Medi-Cal patients with congestive heart failure by reducing hospital readmissions and emergency department visits by providing tailored meals meeting specific dietary needs. The program’s success in improving health outcomes and reducing costly emergency room visits encouraged the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to expand the Medically Tailored Meals program to all 58 counties through Medi-Cal transformation and a new set of services called Community Supports.
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Launched in 2018, the Medically Tailored Meals pilot program was designed to help Medi-Cal patients with congestive heart failure by reducing hospital readmissions and emergency department visits by providing tailored meals meeting specific dietary needs.
The program’s success in improving health outcomes and reducing costly emergency room visits encouraged the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to expand the Medically Tailored Meals program to all 58 counties through Medi-Cal transformation and a new set of services called Community Supports.
Medically Tailored Meals are one of 14 new services offered through Medi-Cal that provide members with access to new and improved services to get well-rounded care that goes beyond the doctor’s office or hospital.
Medically Tailored Meals: Overview
Malnutrition and poor nutrition can lead to severe health outcomes, especially among Medi-Cal patients with chronic health conditions. Medically Tailored Meals aim to improve health outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions, and enhance patient satisfaction by providing essential nutrition.
Key Features:
- Post-Discharge Delivery: Meals are delivered to patients’ homes immediately following discharge from a hospital or nursing home.
- Customized Nutrition: Meals are tailored to meet the dietary needs of those with chronic diseases, designed by registered dietitians (RD) or certified nutrition professionals based on evidence-based guidelines.
- Comprehensive Services: Includes medically tailored groceries, healthy food vouchers, and food pharmacies.
- Educational Support: Behavioral, cooking, and nutrition education is included when paired with direct food assistance.
Key Benefits:
- Address Food Insecurity: Mitigates poor health outcomes linked to food insecurity.
- Support Complex Care Needs: Tailored to individuals with chronic conditions.
- Improve Health Outcomes: Studies show improvements in diabetes control, fall prevention, and medication adherence.
Patient Testimonial:
“My diabetes has gotten better with the meals. I’ve kept my weight down, and I feel much better now than I have in a long time. I’m one of the people this program is meant for.” — Brett
Eligibility:
- Eligible Populations: Eligible Medi-Cal members include those with chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, congestive heart failure, stroke, chronic lung disorders, HIV, cancer, gestational diabetes, and chronic mental or behavioral health disorders. Also, those being discharged from a hospital or skilled nursing facility or at high risk of hospitalization or nursing facility placement are also eligible.
- Service Limitations: Up to two meals per day for up to 12 weeks, extendable if medically necessary. Meals eligible for reimbursement by alternate programs are not covered.
Cost Savings and Improved Health Outcomes:
- Health Outcomes: Research indicates a 22% to 58% decrease in emergency department visits and a 27% to 63% decrease in inpatient admissions among Medically Tailored Meals recipients, translating to significant health care cost savings.
Project Open Hand: A Success Story
Project Open Hand has been a leader in providing Medically Tailored Meals, significantly impacting the lives of Bay Area Medi-Cal patients with chronic illnesses. Since its inception, Project Open Hand has delivered nutritious meals to individuals with diabetes, HIV, and other serious health conditions, demonstrating remarkable health improvements and cost savings.
Key Achievements:
- Improved Health Outcomes: Project Open Hand’s research found a 50% increase in medication adherence among recipients of Medically Tailored Meals.
- Reduced Hospitalizations: Their program showed a 63% reduction in hospitalizations for patients with diabetes and HIV.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients reported better health and increased energy levels.
Project Open Hand ensures that each meal is prepared using fresh, wholesome ingredients tailored to meet the specific dietary needs of its clients. By partnering with Medi-Cal managed care plans, Project Open Hand continues to provide life-saving nutrition to those who need it most.
Join Us in Our Mission
You can experience the profound impact of Medically Tailored Meals by joining the Medi-Cal Community Supports services initiative. Your involvement can make a difference in promoting your health through nutrition.
Learn More
For more information about Medically Tailored Meals and how to get involved, call the state’s Medi-Cal Health Care options at 800-430-4263 or contact your local managed care plan.
In Alameda County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Alameda Alliance for Health: 510-747-4567
* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613
In Contra Costa County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Contra Costa Health Plan: 877-661-6230
* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613
In Marin County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Partnership Health Plan of California: 800-863-4155
* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613
In Solano County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Partnership Health Plan of California: 800-863-4155
* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613
Your health and well-being are your health care provider’s top priority. Medically Tailored Meals are designed to enhance quality of life by advancing health care through the power of nutrition. Experience the benefits today, and take the first step toward a healthier you.
Art
A Prolific Painter: Artist and Advocate Lois Mailou Jones
Lois Mailou Jones was a prominent African American artist whose career spanned more than seven decades, from the Harlem Renaissance to the modern art movement. She was not only a prolific painter but also an influential educator, bridging cultural gaps and challenging stereotypes through her vibrant and diverse works.
By Tamara Shiloh
Lois Mailou Jones was a prominent African American artist whose career spanned more than seven decades, from the Harlem Renaissance to the modern art movement. She was not only a prolific painter but also an influential educator, bridging cultural gaps and challenging stereotypes through her vibrant and diverse works.
Her unique journey of self-expression, dedication to art, and advocacy for African American and African themes made her a crucial figure in the evolution of American art.
Jones was born on Nov. 3, 1905, in Boston. Raised in an intellectual and supportive family, she demonstrated an early interest in art, encouraged by her mother, who believed in the importance of creativity. Lois studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, where she faced racial challenges but persisted in pursuing her passion.
Her pursuit of higher education led her to the prestigious Design Art School, where she perfected her skills in textile design. Later, Jones attended Harvard University and received further training at the Académie Julian in Paris. This European experience greatly influenced her style and broadened her perspective on art.
Jones’s career began in textile design, creating works that were used by leading textile companies. However, her true passion was painting. During the Harlem Renaissance, she moved away from textile design to focus on fine art, exploring themes that reflected her heritage and the African diaspora.
Her early works were influenced by European Post-Impressionism, featuring landscapes and still life, but Jones’s style evolved over time. After spending time in Haiti, she was deeply inspired by Caribbean culture, and her palette became more vivid, her subject matter more symbolic. The influence of African and Caribbean culture is evident in her later works, where she used bright colors and geometric patterns to convey the spirit and stories of the people she encountered.
Her contributions to African American art were significant during a time when Black artists struggled for recognition. She often focused on themes of African heritage, pride, and unity, blending African illustrations and portraits with Western artistic techniques to create a unique visual language that celebrated Black culture.
She was also a dedicated educator. She began her teaching career at Palmer Memorial Institute in North Carolina and later became a professor at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she taught for almost 50 years. Through her teaching, she influenced generations of young Black artists, encouraging them to explore and express their cultural heritage through art.
In the 1930s and 1940s, she worked to exhibit her work alongside other Black artists, helping to create a platform for voices that had long been excluded from mainstream galleries.
Recognition and Legacy
Jones achieved significant recognition throughout her lifetime, both in the United States and internationally. She exhibited her work across the globe, including in Paris, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Jones continued painting until her death in 1998, leaving behind a rich legacy of artistic achievements and contributions to art education. She broke boundaries by celebrating Black identity and heritage at a time when these themes were often marginalized.
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