New data showing rising unemployment and widening economic gaps for Black Californians framed a statewide conference at UCLA, where more than 200 advocates, policymakers, elected officials, scholars, entertainers and community […]
Author Archives: Joe W. Bowers Jr.| California Black Media
Posted inNational
Bonta and Weber Pierson lead on state health policy
Nearly 6 in 10 Californians delayed or skipped medical care in the past year because of cost, and 4 in 10 reported their conditions worsened as a result — trends […]
Posted inEducation, National
Baltimore’s Coppin State builds pipeline
Twelve Inglewood Unified students left a school assembly last week with college acceptances — and for several, scholarship offers — after a visit from Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins, president of […]
Posted inNational, News
Smallwood-Cuevas Town Hall warns ICE risks extend beyond immigrants
A Los Angeles town hall on immigration took on broader urgency as speakers warned that encounters with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are not limited to immigrants and can […]
Posted inNational, News
After Don Lemon’s arrest, Black officials raise concerns
On Jan. 30, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass attended independent journalist Don Lemon’s federal court appearance at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Courthouse following his arrest in Los Angeles by […]
Posted inFeature, Feature
State settlement shines light
A state civil rights investigation into Yuba City Unified School District (YCUSD) has resulted in a settlement requiring districtwide corrective actions after allegations that a Black elementary school student was […]
Posted inNews
Commentary: How CalMatters Turned a Handbag Into a Political Firestorm
A question recently emailed to the office of Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) was not about legislation, policy, or governance. Instead, it asked whether the “Louis Vuitton bag McKinnor was wearing […]
Posted inBusiness, National
Newsom’s finance director Joe Stephenshaw presents plan
California’s 2026–27 budget debate opened on Jan. 9 with Finance Director Joe Stephenshaw presenting the budget proposal. Although Gov. Gavin Newsom did not attend the budget press conference, he previewed […]
Posted inBusiness
Seven questions for Black Caucus Vice Chair Asm. Isaac Bryan
Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) represents California’s 55th Assembly District — which also includes Baldwin Hills, Leimert Park, the Crenshaw Corridor, Culver City, Del Rey, and parts of Mid-City — […]
Posted inEducation
Dashboard shows deep gaps for California’s Black students
California’s latest School Dashboard makes one thing clear: Black students are making progress, but not nearly fast enough — and the public education system is still not organized to deliver […]
