Dis COMMENTARY: The Biases We Don’t See — Preventing Cracking Down on Human Trafficking, California DOJ After Don Lemon’s Arrest, Black Officials Raise AI-Driven Inequality in Health Care ... see page 6 Announces 120 Arrests ... see page 2 Concerns About Independent Black Media ... see page 2
At Sac Summit, California African American Chamber of Commerce Shows Growing Clout; Lays Out Top Goals.. see page 7
Oakland Post “Where there is no vision, the people perish...” Proverbs 29:18
Weekly Edition February 4 - 10, 2026
postnewsgroup.com
63rd Year, No. 5
Candidates Vying for Governor’s Seat Debate at Ruth Williams–Bayview Opera House in San Francisco
COMMENTARY:
The National Protest Must Be Accompanied with Our Votes
iStock.
Dr. John E. Warren. Courtesy photo. By Dr. John E. Warren,
support to the destructive actions of those persons like the U.S. Attorney General, the Director of Homeland Security, and the National Intelligence Director, who are carrying out the revenge campaign of the President rather than upholding the oath of office each of them took “to Defend The Constitution of the United States.” Just as Trump is gathering election data like having the FBI take all the election data in Georgia from the 2020 election, so must we organize in preparation for the coming primary season to have the right people on ballots in each Republican district, so that
Publisher San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper As thousands of Americans march every week in cities across this great nation, it must be remembered that the protest without the vote is of no concern to Donald Trump and his administration. In every city, there is a personal connection to the U.S. Congress. In too many cases, the member of Congress representing the people of that city and the congressional district in which it sits, is a Republican. It is
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the Republicans who are giving silent
Rep. Simon’s New Bill, the RIDER Safety Act, Would Support Transit Ambassadors and Safety on Public
Post Newspaper Invites NNPA to Join Nationwide Probate Reform Initiative
Special to the Post
The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) represents the Black press more than 200 newspapers nationwide. Recently, the Post announced that it is actively recruiting the Black press to inform the public that there is a probate “five-alarm fire” occurring in Black communities and invited every Black newspaper starting from the Birmingham Times in Alabama to the Milwaukee Times Weekly in Wisconsin to join the Post in our “Year of Action” for probate reform. The Post’s Probate Reform Group meets the first Thursday
of every month via Zoom and invites the public to attend. The Post is making the initiative national and will submit information from their monthly meeting to the NNPA to educate, advocate and inform their readers as well. Reporter Tanya Dennis says, “The adage that “When America catches a cold, Black folks catch the flu” is too true in probate, that’s why we’re engaging the Black press to not only warn, but educate the Black community regarding the criminal actions we see in probate court: Thousands are losing generational wealth to strangers. It’s a travesty that happens daily.” Continued on page 8
Oakland Goes All Out for Super Bowl LX
The gubernatorial debate was hosted by KTVU’s Greg Lee, KTTV’s Marla Tellez and KTVU’s Andre Senior. The candidates are (l.-r.): Xavier Becerra, Steve Hilton, Matt Mahan, Tom Steyer, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Betty Yee. Photo by Carla Thomas. By Carla Thomas On Tuesday, Feb. 3, seven candidates took the stage at the historic Ruth Williams–Bayview Opera House in San Francisco for the gubernatorial debate hosted by the Black Action Alliance (BAA) in partnership with KTVU and sister station KTTV Fox 11 in Los Angeles. For many voters, it marked a first opportunity to hear directly from several candidates seeking to lead the nation’s most populous state. The gubernatorial debate par-
ticipants included Antonio Villaraigosa, former Los Angeles mayor; Matt Mahan, San Jose mayor; Betty Yee, former California state controller; Xavier Becerra, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and attorney general of California; Steve Hilton, political commentator and political adviser; Tom Steyer, entrepreneur, and Tony Thurmond, California’s superintendent of public instruction. Crucial topics and issues addressed throughout the debate included housing, crime, immigraContinued on page 8
Congresswoman Simon Votes Against Department of Homeland Security, ICE Funding few days, and experience our res-
With more than 25 events in the town alone, a memorable weekend ahead for Oaklanders and sports tourists alike
By Post Staff
BART train. Photo courtesy of ABC7. By Post Staff A new federal bill would support transit ambassador, or transit support specialist, programs at public transit agencies across the country. The bill, (D-CA-12), H.R. 6069, the Rapid Intervention and Deterrence for Enhanced Rider Safety Act, or the RIDER Safety Act, was introduced Jan. 30 by Congresswoman Lateefah Simon. (D-CA12), H.R. 6069, the Rapid Intervention and Deterrence for Enhanced Rider Safety Act, or the RIDER Safety Act. This legislation is based on Con-
gresswoman Simon’s work at Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) to create a first-in-the-nation Transit Ambassador Program, which previously earned a prestigious nationwide award for “Innovation in Public Safety.” She announced the bill at a press conference at the 19th Street BART Station alongside BART leaders and other supporters. The RIDER Safety Act would allow public transit agencies to hire transit ambassadors trained in deescalation, crisis response, and rider Continued on page 8
The San Francisco Bay Area is hosting Super Bowl LX at Levi’s® Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, featuring the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. It marks the second Super Bowl hosted at the 49ers’ stadium. The championship game for the 2025 NFL season is expected to bring a whopping $370 to $630 million in regional economic impact to the Bay Area this week, as a full slate of events are planned across the region. “This is an exciting time in Oakland as we celebrate Super Bowl LX with BAHC Live!, the official NFL Fan Zone and Watch Party,” said Peter Gamez, President and CEO of Visit Oakland. “With events happening throughout the week, this is the perfect opportunity to come to Oakland, stay for a
Black History Events in the East Bay
The Oakland Black Cowboys Association will hold an event to teach children the love of riding at Fairyland on Feb. 14. Here, a member of the OBCA high-fives a young rider at an event in 2021. Facebook photo. By Post Staff What began as Negro History Week in 1926 by author and journalist Carter G. Woodson as a way to celebrate the achievements of African Americans, the observance is now a month long and nearly every day in the Bay Area there is somewhere
to honor the ancestors, our living thought leaders, artists, and activists and prepare children for the future. Below are just a few places to go. Lunar New Year X Black History Month 2026: Celebrating Asian & African American Solidarity Now in its fourth year, the Oakland
Asian Cultural Center rolls out its biggest event feature lion dancers, drummers, performers, arts and crafts, a Kids + Teens Zone curated by Storyland Collective, a marketplace of local artisans, and free admission for all ages. This event is part of OACC’s ongoing Open E.A.R.S. for Change initiative, which started in 2020 to build stronger relationships among local APIA and Black communities. SambaFunk closes out the day at 3:15 p.m. and the Bantaba Drum Call and Comrade Lover Lion Dancers perform shortly after story time for young children at noon. Register for free tickets. https://oacc.liveimpact.org/ li/8737/sevent/evt/home/294475/69 Oakland Asian Cultural Center 388 Ninth St. Suite 290 Oakland, CA Feb. 7, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. DIY: Black Culture Bookmark
taurants, attractions, culture, and welcoming community.” According to the mayor’s office, tourism already plays a major role in Oakland’s economy, generating $779 million in total economic impact last year alone. “Oakland is on the move - and the world is taking notice,” said Mayor Barbara Lee. “As we welcome visitors during Super Bowl LX week, we’re showcasing the best of Oakland: our culture, our Rep. Lateefah Simon. File photo. creativity, our small businesses, By Post Staff and the communities that make Congresswoman Lateefah Sithis city special. From food and music to sports and local entre- mon (D-CA-12) released a statepreneurship, this moment is about ment after voting against legislacelebrating Oakland’s resilience, tion to fund the Department of pride, and bright future.” Homeland Security (DHS), which The Oakland Police Department (OPD) is implementing a supports Immigration and Cuscomprehensive public safety plan, toms Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. deploying extensive resources Customs and Border Protection Continued on page 8 Con-
(CPB). “Today, I voted NO on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security through Feb. 13, 2026. “ICE and CBP do not need more funding to terrorize communities or kill more people,” she said in the media release. “They need accountability. Republicans already gave these agencies an unprecedented $170 billion for immigration enforcement, funding they have used to conduct raids at schools, separate families, and deploy a masked paramilitary who refuse to identify themselves on American streets. This bill gives them more funding without a single reform to stop unconstitutional, immoral abuses,” she said. Continued on page 8
Making Go to the Golden Gate Branch of the Oakland Public Library for smallscale collaging at this Black-themed make-your-own-bookmarks session. Bring: Your vision, creativity and, if you like, wallet sized photos or images of your favorite Black heroes or family members. We’ll supply the cardstock paper, African diaspora designs, artwork, images, lettering, glue, scissors, and laminating. This session is suitable for adults and seniors. Golden Gate Library 5609 San Pablo Ave. Oakland, CA, Feb. 11, 5:30-7 p.m. Oakland Black Cowboy Association Shares Love of the Ride Celebrate the history, culture, and living legacy of Black cowboys at the Black Cowboy Academy. It will be an interactive day of lasso lessons, pony grooming with real live ponies,
ipants will be invited to make collage
and meet-and-greets with actual cowboys! Fairyland joins hands and hearts with the Oakland Black Cowboy Association and the Metropolitan Horsemen’s Association this Valentine’s Day for an immersive event of learning and love. Included with general admission. Children’s Fairyland 699 Bellevue Ave. Sat., Feb. 14, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Love Stories for Black History Month At the Berkeley Public Library, a children’s book fair “Valentine to Black Stories” will feature some of your favorite Black authors of children’s books! Come celebrate love, Black authors, and Black stories at this special children’s book fair. They will have free books, crafts and special presentations from Bay Area Black authors. Festivities will feature a collage workshop led by Oakland artist Chanel London of Hella Artsy. Partic-
portraits inspired by artist Derrick Barnes. Berkeley Central Public Library 2090 Kittredge St. Berkeley, CA Sat. Feb. 14, 1- 4 p.m. The Black Child Book Fair (BCBF) from Chicago to Oakland, CA- Book Signing Event BCBF began in Chicago in 2009 through the vision and experience of author and poet Darryl Harvey. Harvey’s vision brings extraordinary children’s book authors together to close the great need for black representation in children’s books. Engage with authors, participate in story time and fun activities. Oakland African American Museum and Library 859 14th St., Oakland CA Sat. Feb. 21, 12-5 p.m.