Columbus
Black Voice News
In Memoriam: Wilbert “Bill” Cobbs – Living his Best Life
Funeral services were held in Riverside last week to celebrate the life of actor and Inland Empire resident Bill Cobbs. Bill was an international treasure, yet he was Cleveland’s own. His illustrious career gradually catapulted over a 50+ year span, with his beginnings as a humble car salesperson in Cleveland and his path eventually skyrocketing to Hollywood stardom. As an “Emmy” award-winning actor, Bill mesmerized audiences worldwide. His favorite films were “Always Outnumbered,” “Ultimate Gift,” and “Bodyguard.” But he was most well-known in pop culture for shooting Nino Brown in New Jack City. You remember the words. That was a dramatic scene indelibly marked in the minds of movie-goers and a moment in time forever seared into Hollywood’s movie-making history. He loved and respected his craft and mentored hundreds of young and old.
California Prepares to Launch CalHeat Score, Nation’s First Extreme Heat Ranking System
In 2022, Assembly Bill No. 2238, legislation establishing a statewide extreme heat ranking system was signed into law. Currently this ranking system is being developed by California’s Environmental Protection Agency and is planned to be launched in 2025 as the nation’s first extreme heat wave ranking system. According...
California Report Reveals Devastating Impacts of Extreme Heat on Marginalized Communities
Last month, the California Department of Insurance published a 92-page report assessing the “Impacts of extreme heat to California’s people, infrastructure and economy,” by specifically examining the uninsured and insured costs of extreme heat across the state. The report, a requirement of Assembly Bill No. 2238, legislation...
Keeping it Real: Kamala Harris for President
Overview: Vice President Kamala Harris has been endorsed by President Joe Biden and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to become the Democratic candidate for president in the 2024 election. Harris is seen as the best choice for president, and her candidacy is supported by many rank and file Democrats and party leaders. The Republican Party is expected to launch a disinformation campaign against Harris, but it is important to not yield to their propaganda. The Supreme Court is stacked with conservative justices who have made it clear they have no problem weighing in on behalf of Trump, and it is time for women and their male supporters to coalesce and work together to elect Harris as the nation’s first woman president.
Kamala Harris Launches 2024 Campaign Following Joe Biden’s Endorsement
Overview: Vice President Kamala Harris has officially launched her campaign for the 2024 Democratic nomination following President Joe Biden’s endorsement. Biden, who faced criticism for his performance in a presidential debate and tested positive for COVID-19, has decided to focus on his duties as President. Harris has already made strides in her campaign, raising over $1.5 million in three hours and receiving support from Governor Gavin Newsom. However, her role as the official Democratic presidential nominee is not yet secure, as delegates of the Democratic Party must officially nominate a candidate at the party’s national convention.
Inland Empire Leaders Discuss How to Strike Back Against Hate
Overview: A panel discussion in Riverside, California, addressed the rise in hate crimes and the need for anti-racist institutions to combat racism. The panelists discussed the importance of reporting hate crimes and emphasized the need for oversight for mandated hate crime reporting. They also highlighted the need for self-reflection and unity to overcome the common oppressor. The event was hosted by Zócalo Public Square in partnership with California Humanities, the National Endowment for the Humanities, United We Stand, University of California, Riverside (UCR) ARTS, and the UCR College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
The Impacts of Excessive Heat on Unsheltered Individuals in the Inland Empire and Beyond
Overview: The Inland Empire region of Southern California is experiencing record-breaking heat, which is particularly dangerous for the homeless population. The heat can exacerbate pre-existing health conditions and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, which can lead to hospitalization or even death. The homeless population faces unique challenges in accessing cool centers and managing chronic conditions, and the state has cut funding for programs that address extreme heat. The region’s homeless population will continue to face this additional layer of complexity as temperatures are projected to rise for the remaining months of summer.
Power of the Press BVN @ 50 Exhibit
The Black Voice News’ Power of the Press Pop-Up Exhibit is being showcased at the Civil Rights Institute this summer until August 23, 2024. This exhibit underscores the profound influence of the Black Press and celebrates the community it has proudly served for five decades. We are commemorating our...
Keeping it Real: Avoiding an American Authoritarian and Dystopian Nightmare
Overview: Donald Trump’s former administration officials are reportedly involved in Project 2025, a plan to reshape the federal government and consolidate executive power if he wins the 2024 presidential election. The plan includes the consolidation of Presidential power. The Supreme Court and federal courts appear compromised by conservative judges appointed by Trump. Critics argue that the recent federal judge’s ruling in Trump’s documents case should be thrown out, while the Special Counsel’s office has approved plans to file an appeal. The choice is clear, according to the author, between Joe Biden and a “want to be dictator” in Trump.
OpEd: Democrats, Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
Overview: Former President Donald Trump’s supporters are calling for President Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race, but the author argues that Biden should stay in the race because he has a proven track record of protecting civil rights and advocating for equal opportunity in employment, low cost medical coverage, women’s reproductive rights, and investing in Black-owned businesses. The author also highlights the importance of keeping our eyes on the prize of freedom and equal rights, and the need to resist attempts to take us back to the days of segregation and discrimination.
New California Law Mandates Fentanyl Education in High School Health Courses
A new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom this month will now require school districts to include curriculum on the dangers of fentanyl use as part of high school health courses, beginning with the 2026-27 school year. Authored by Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego), Assembly Bill 2429 will require schools...
Op-Ed: Why Voting and Local Government Engagement Matters in 2024
On March 31, 1870, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Mr. Thomas Mundy Petersen, the son of freed slaves, made history by casting the first vote by an African American in a United States election. It was just over a month after the 15th Amendment was ratified, prohibiting the federal government and the states from denying anyone the right to vote “on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”
Keeping It Real: America, A Country Without Compassion for Its Homeless
Overview: The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the nation’s former President, Donald J. Trump, is entitled to nearly unbridled immunity when he holds the title of president. The court has also ruled that the Eighth Amendment clause of the U.S. Constitution that prohibits “cruel and unusual punishment” does not prevent a municipality from enforcing criminal penalties against homeless people who are sleeping outdoors. This ruling is a green light for cities and counties to tear down homeless encampments at will. The ruling also makes it clear that states are free to bestow penalties such as fines and jail time on homeless individuals caught sleeping or camping in public.
Supreme Court Ruling Allows Cities to Enforce Bans on Homeless Camps
Overview: The Supreme Court ruled that cities can enforce bans on homeless individuals who sleep outside in public places, overturning a California appeals court ruling that found these laws to be cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. The decision has disappointed housing advocates, who argue that the ruling does nothing to address the root causes of homelessness such as the growing housing crisis, lack of community investments, and lack of consensus on what it means to be homeless. The ruling has led to increased enforcement of penalties such as fines and jail time on homeless individuals, causing a destabilizing cascade of harm.
Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson secures $5M for expansion of Basic Income Pilot Program for Seniors
As the Chair of the Budget Subcommittee on Human Services, Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson announced the allocation of $5 million to expand California’s Basic Income Pilot Program to cover seniors. Across the state, a number of guaranteed income pilot projects have been launched to give money directly to underserved...
Op Ed: Let’s Build A Black Creative Economy in the IE
There are many creative ways to make a living. I chose the route of using my God-given talents, building skill sets, and demanding that my art form become my main source of income. What is a creative economy? When you think about the word economy, what comes to mind? Community?...
OpEd: Democrats Stay the Course with Biden and Harris
As I watched the debate between President Biden and the former “lying” president, I thought of the conversation Moses had with God in Exodus 4:10-17. Moses tried to make excuses not to lead the Israelites out of bondage, and I was reminded of this when President Biden had moments of struggling with his speaking.
Keeping it Real: Supreme Court Shields Trump With Immunity
Overview: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump has absolute immunity for “core” presidential activity, including his discussions with the Justice Department as he worked to overthrow the results of the 2020 Election. The ruling prevents lower courts from considering Trump’s motives and makes it difficult for the Justice Department to prevail in its January 9 case against the former president. The decision also prevents lower courts from considering Trump’s motives regarding January 9, 2020, and gives the former president ammunition to argue he never intended to overthrow the election.
So Long Willie Mays, A Name Synonymous with Baseball Passes at 93
Goodbye Willie Howard Mays Jr. (1931-1924). The “Say Hey Kid” is imbedded in the memory of every young person who wished they could play with the ability that Willie did for so long. He had no weaknesses in his game and truly transcended it. We are only left with the images of a young Willie playing stick ball with local kids on a Harlem neighborhood street, or wheeling around the bases to leg out a triple, Willie’s special flair and exuberance for the game, always pulled us in. From the early years with the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues to the New York and San Francisco Giants (23 seasons), we watched in awe as he gave us memories to last a lifetime.
Black Voice News
1K+
Posts
4M+
Views
The Black Voice News has given voice to the voiceless and shined a light on systemic inequities and disparities since 1972. With a focus on advocacy, solutions-oriented and data-driven reporting, the Black Voice has addressed issues from disparities in health, education and wealth to police violence, social justice, and civil rights battles. And for over four decades the dedicated team of journalists and community reporters have commented on and chronicled some of the most important stories impacting the lives of Black Californians, and given “voice” to the community while expanding its scope of civic involvement. A property of Voice Media Ventures, The Black Voice News is legally adjudicated in the County of Riverside and is published by Brown Publishing Co. LLC.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.