Vote No on Proposition 8

By Alice A. Huffman
President, California NAACP

There comes a time when society’s values and mores are called into question and we must sort out what is important to the well being of humanity. Proposition 8 brings us to just such cross roads where we must cast a vote on November 4, on one side or the other. In arriving at our position we analyzed the issue from several angles and realized that there is no need for Proposition 8.
First we addressed the issue of “Marriage.” As we know, not everyone in our diverse community practice the same brand of religion and not all of us who profess faith in one denomination interpret the bible in the same way. The proponents will have us believe that marriage is a sacred union between a man and woman and they will use biblical quotes to back them up. The truth is, the sacred union of marriage is one performed in the church with believers in the doctrine of that church and practices its faith. Thus, the transference of the license to the sanctity of the church is a Christian choice made post the granting of the marriage license by the government. [Read more]

Obama’s Sermon On The Mount

By Marvin X Jackmon

And so it is, Lazarus has come forth from the grave and has begun his ascent up the mountain. American history moves with him up the mountain as he makes his way to the highest office in the land, the President. Will he stumble, fall, in the manner of Sisyphus, or will he cross the finish line to victory? As he said in his speech, it is not about him but about you, black, brown, yellow and white Americans. We think the words of a white man shall set the standard for whites when he said on the radio, “I confess my shame that only now have I come to the realization that the Black man has every right to be president of the United States. And I know many of my white brothers and sisters are facing this moment of truth.” [Read more]

Black Leaders Mentored Jack London

By Mary Rudge

Interviewing people and researching books on Oakland’s heritage of people of creative, active minds is one of the happiest interests a person can have.  It has been my pleasure to meet many people who have a passion for some aspect of  history who each feel enriched by what they have discovered. On learning some of Oakland’s history, I have been amazed at  the powerful influences some of these great personalities  have had on each other,  and, in some cases, the world. [Read more]

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Leads Panel Discussion on HIV/AIDS

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-9) on Friday, May 9 hosted a panel discussion – titled “From Prevention to Policy: Responses to HIV/AIDS in the African-American Community” – at the West Oakland Senior Center to assess the expanding the reach of HIV prevention services and programs, increasing opportunities for HIV diagnosis and treatment, developing new and effective interventions and mobilizing the community to combat this epidemic in the 9th Congressional District and the Bay Area.

Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), served as the guest speaker, discussing ongoing efforts by the CDC to address the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 9th Congressional District. Dr. Gerberding is a physician and an expert in infectious diseases. For over 60 years, the Atlanta-based CDC has been dedicated to protecting health and promoting quality of life through the prevention and control of disease, injury and disability. [Read more]

Swanson’s “Green Jobs” Training Bill Advances

Assembly Labor & Employment Chairman Sandré R. Swanson has introduced AB 2147 to establish the Green Jobs Corps Grant Program to implement an energy efficiency and renewable energy worker training program for individuals seeking employment pathways out of poverty into economic self-sufficiency.
“We have a tremendous opportunity in California for job growth in the ‘green’ economy,” stated Swanson. “However, we need to match up that opportunity with those members of our communities most in need of jobs, including at-risk youth and formerly incarcerated individuals. That is why I believe this bill is so important.”
The Program will be administered by the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, which will develop application procedures and criteria to award $500,000 in grants to community-based organizations, local agencies, and service providers (or partnerships thereof).
Grants will be funded with State and Federal workforce development and job training funds, and/or funds allocated for rehabilitation and treatment of prison inmates and parolees. Monies will be awarded to fund programs in urban, suburban, and rural areas of northern, central and southern California. [Read more]

AADC’s Endorsement Meeting April 12

By Wade Woods

President Toye Moses announced that The African American democratic club (AADC) is scheduling an endorsement meeting for Saturday april 12, 2008 at Rasselas Jazz located at end at 1:00 pm prompt.
The AADC will be endorsing candidates for U.S. Congress from the 8th and 12 District and State Senate District 3.  The organization will also be endorsing candidates for San Francisco Democratic County Central committee in Districts 12 & 13, plus Superior Court Judges for seats 1 thru 22.
Voting will take place immediately after presentations by candidates and speakers for propostions are finished. Light refreshments will be served. New members are welcome.  For more information call (415) 267-3921

Gov. Schwarzenegger Appoints Michael Minor, Superintendent of DeWitt Nelson Youth Correctional Facility

By Post Staff

Michael Minor, 48, of Elk Grove, has been appointed superintendent of the DeWitt Nelson Youth Correctional Facility (YCF).
Since 2005, he has served as the acting superintendent at DeWitt Nelson YCF in Stockton. Earlier in 2005, Minor was a major at DeWitt Nelson YCF and, from 1998 to 2005, was a major at N.A. Chaderjian Youth Correctional Facility in Stockton. From 1997 to 1998, he was a captain at Karl Holton Youth Correctional Facility in Stockton and, from 1994 to 1997, was a lieutenant at DeWitt Nelson YCF.
Prior to that, Minor was a sergeant at the Northern California Youth Correctional Center in Stockton from 1991 to 1994, a youth correctional counselor at DeWitt Nelson YCF from 1989 to 1991 and a youth correctional officer at DeWitt Nelson YCF from 1986 to 1989. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $125,892. Minor is registered decline-to-state.

Black American Political Association of California Honors Percy Pinkney

(Left to right) Congresswoman Diane Watson (D-CA 33rd District) and Percy Pinkney, State President, Black American Political Association of California. Percy Pinkney was honored for his service and commitment to BAPAC. Congresswomen Diane Watson and Laura Richardson praised BAPAC for its accomplishments and plans to expand its outreach to the youth.

Swanson Endorses Tony Thurmond for Assembly

By Post Staff

Assembly member Sandre Swanson, Chairman of the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee, endorsed Council member Tony Thurmond’s bid for State Assembly, saying, “I enthusiastically support Tony Thurmond’s candidacy for California’s 14th State Assembly District.”
“With our current budget crisis, it’s important to have elected officials with the background and the courage to fight for a budget that reflects the priorities and values of our community,” continued Swanson. “I am confident Council member Thurmond will join me in our fight to prioritize schools, will work to create job opportunities for California’s families, and will support initiatives that will lead to safer communities.”
Thurmond currently serves on the Richmond City Council and is the Executive Director of Beyond Emancipation, a non-profit organization that provides oversight and mentoring to help former foster youth make successful transitions into adulthood.
“I am deeply honored to have Assembly member Swanson’s endorsement,” said Thurmond. “He has been a dedicated community leader for so many years, and it will be an honor to work with him. I know that with his partnership and support, we can bring high-paying jobs and affordable health care to our constituents and all Californians.”
Thurmond agreed that he would fight with Swanson to balance the state budget while protecting education, health care and public safety from arbitrary cuts. He pledged to fight to pass universal health care and to oppose cuts to public education.
“We can?t wait for change,” said Thurmond. “I am the only candidate in this race who is already working in both Alameda and Contra Costa Counties on the key issues of ending the violence in our communities and providing jobs, health care and, most importantly, hope to our youth and their families.”
Thurmond has raised more than $1 million to support emancipated foster youth in Alameda County, and helped allocate nearly $1 million in funding to support child abuse prevention efforts in Contra Costa County.
In addition to Swanson, Assembly members Mervyn M. Dymally, Mike Davis, Alberto Torrico, Fiona Ma and former Speaker Pro Tempore John T. Knox have endorsed Thurmond’s campaign.

Ousted African American Public Utilities Commissioner Lands on Planning Commission

By Wade Woods

It was a quick turn around for Ryan L. Brooks the 37 year old executive with CBS Outdoor, Inc. Brooks, who was rejected for reappointment to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission by the Board of Supervisors on a 8-3 vote, was this week appointed by Mayor Gavin Newsom to the Planning Commission.
On February 13, 2008 Brook and Commissioner Richard Sklar went before the full Board of Supervisors for reappointment. Sklar was confirmed for reappointment, while Brooks was rejected. Many saw it as a battle between Mayor Newsom and Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, over control of appointments to various commissions and boards. There was also the question of whether PUC head Susan Leal would retain her job or be fired. She was recently fired in a closed door meeting of the commission. [Read more]

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