Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what people will submit to and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them and these will continue till they have resisted either with words or blows or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance those of whom they suppress.
—Fredrick Douglass
(1849)
Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or editorial stance of California Black Media, its publisher, editors, or affiliates.
Some politicians believe making any promise loudly and confidently is an adequate substitute for only supporting proposals that are realistic or implementable. California's gubernatorial race has produced a bumper crop of them.
Tom Steyer, the billionaire liberal donor turned candidate, has called for abolishing ICE and jailing its agents, describing the federal law enforcement agency as a “violent extremist group.”
Former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa compared ICE officers to members of the Ku Klux Klan, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond promised to have ICE agents arrested.Former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra vowed to “police the immigration police.” These are all the leading candidates to become governor of the most populous state in the union.
One might ask: can they actually do any of this? The answer, rooted not in opinion but in two centuries of constitutional law, is no. And yet the question almost never gets asked; because
By Pastor J. Edgar Boyd
Long before the United States became a nation, Black people helped build its foundation. Black men and women, some free and many enslaved, cleared land, tilled soil, built roads and bridges, and helped construct the nation’s capital. Yet while Black labor helped build America, Black Americans were denied full participation in the democracy they helped create. When Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal,” those words set a promise before the world. For generations, America failed to
the performance is the point.
Steyer's plan reads more like a campaign message than a governing blueprint. That is not an accident. Under the Supremacy Clause of Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, and under longstanding Supreme Court precedent, states may not criminally prosecute federal officers for actions taken in the lawful course of their federal duties, provided the officer reasonably believed those actions were necessary to fulfill that duty. This is not an obscure technicality. It is the foundational architecture of American federalism, and it has been settled law for longer than most of these candidates have been alive.
The legal test is not complicated. Was the officer authorized by federal law to be there and act? Did the officer reasonably believe the action was necessary to perform that duty? If the answer to both is yes, the state prosecution cannot proceed. Full stop. And if a state’s Attorney General or a regional district attorney were reckless enough to try anyway, the Department of Justice can move the case to federal court, where federal supremacy immunity applies — and the state prosecution is barred entirely.
Steyer's plan pledges to give the state Attorney General authority to hold ICE leadership accountable for violence, and to pursue "supervisory liability" to criminally prosecute not just agents but their supervisors — without explaining how any state law could supersede federal authority.
It cannot. The candidates know this -- or should. Their lawyers certainly do. What we are witnessing, then, is not a legal strategy. It is a political one. The incentive structure of the California Democratic primary runs in one direction: toward more confrontation with federal enforcement, more public spending on illegal immigrant legal defense, and more inflammatory language about ICE.
This has predictable
consequences beyond the campaign trail. When a leading candidate for governor calls ICE a “criminal organization” engaged in “terrorism,” it does not just shape a primary. It shapes the way state employees, local police, and community organizations interact with federal law enforcement. It signals that obstruction is not just tolerated — it is the official position of the state's aspiring leadership.
Economist and cultural commentator Thomas Sowell noted that “it is hard to imagine a more stupid or more dangerous way of making decisions than to put those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong.”
California's gubernatorial candidates have crafted a remarkable variation on this theme: they have found a way to make promises they know they cannot keep, at a cost they will never personally bear, to audiences who may never learn the difference.
The Supremacy Clause does not care about a press release. Federal supremacy immunity does not bend to a debate stage applause line. And the U.S. Constitution was not amended during the California primary season. The irony is particularly rich in the case of Xavier Becerra, who served as California's Attorney General (the state's chief law enforcement officer) before vowing to “police the
live up to that promise for Black Americans. Slavery, segregation, discrimination, and violence exposed the gap between the ideals of liberty and the reality faced by Black people in this country.
After the Civil War, the nation moved through emancipation and constitutional reform. The Emancipation Proclamation began the process of freeing millions of enslaved Black Americans and paved the way for the 13th Amendment. The 14th Amendment established birthright citizenship and equal protection under the law. In 1870, the 15th Amendment guaranteed Black men the constitutional right to vote.
Still, progress was met with fierce resistance. Southern states responded with poll taxes, literacy tests, intimidation, and violence designed to suppress the Black vote. For generations, Black Americans risked jobs, safety, and even their lives simply to exercise their constitutional
rights.
The Civil Rights Movement changed American history. Leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Dorothy Height, Roy Wilkins, Whitney Young, and Fannie Lou Hamer organized, marched, and sacrificed to secure voting protections for Black Americans. Their courage helped win the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which strengthened federal protections against discriminatory voting practices and expanded political participation for Black people across the nation.
Every gain Black Americans have made from school boards and city halls to Congress and the White House rests on that hardwon right to vote. Today, the right to vote remains one of the most powerful tools Black Americans possess. But voting alone is not enough. We must educate ourselves, study our ballots, and know the records of those seeking public office.
Elections shape policy on jobs, housing, criminal justice,
education, health care, and the future of Black communities.
Here in California, Black voters face decisions that will shape both the state and local neighborhoods. Under California’s top-two primary system, all candidates for voternominated offices appear on the same ballot regardless of party, and only the top two votegetters advance to the general election.
At this moment, I believe Tom Steyer is the candidate for governor who has presented the clearest and most direct commitment to improving the quality of life for Black Californians. I do not make that judgment lightly. Our history teaches us to look beyond speeches and slogans and ask which candidate is prepared to turn promises into policy.
California’s governor’s race carries enormous weight. As the fourth-largest economy in the world, California plays a major role in setting national political and economic direction.
Decisions made in Sacramento ripple into our churches, schools, workplaces, and courts. Black voters in California cannot afford to sit on the sidelines.
Steyer has spoken about closing the racial wealth gap, expanding economic opportunity, and investing in communities that have been ignored for far too long. His platform emphasizes equity in housing, investment in education for under-resourced schools, and support for small businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved neighborhoods.
He has also underscored the need for criminal justice reforms that treat Black lives with dignity and fairness. He has pledged to confront homelessness, expand access to mental health services, and work to ensure that California’s prosperity reaches the people who helped build this state but have not shared equally in its blessings.
Our communities know what it means to be courted in election season and forgotten after Election Day. We have the right
immigration police.” One might expect a man who once swore to uphold the rule of law to have at least a passing familiarity with the Supremacy Clause. Apparently, the learning did not take.
ICE responded simply.
“ICE is not a political football. Our agents and officers are sworn to protect this nation from dangerous criminals ranging from child abusers to cartel members," the agency said. It is a statement that required no legal scholarship, no constitutional footnotes, and no grandstanding — which may be precisely why it went largely unreported.
The voters of California are being asked to choose between candidates competing to make the boldest promises about powers they do not have, against a federal government whose legal authority they cannot override. What they are not being asked — but ought to be — is a simpler question: If your signature proposal cannot survive its first day in court, what exactly are you offering?
The answer, in most cases, is a feeling. And feelings, unfortunately, are not subject to the Supremacy Clause.
About the Author Craig J. DeLuz, has almost 30 years of experience in public policy and advocacy. He hosts a daily news and commentary show called “The RUNDOWN.” You can follow him on X at @ CraigDeLuz.
and the responsibility to demand more: concrete plans, clear priorities, and accountability.
In Tom Steyer, I see a candidate who has put forward a vision that speaks directly to the needs and aspirations of Black Californians. The larger message remains the same: Black voting power matters. Every generation has had to fight to protect it, defend it, and expand it. The sacrifices made by earlier generations must never be forgotten or taken for granted. Voting is more than a civic duty. It is a continuation of a long struggle for representation, equality, and justice. In this governor’s race, that means showing up in the primary, studying the candidates, and casting ballots that honor the legacy of those who fought so Black voices could be heard. Black votes have always had the power to change history. This year, that power must be used— and used well.
Pastor J. Edgar Boyd is retired clergy in the AME Church with 53 years of pastoral experience.
Seven-day-a-week tutoring and mentoring through a partnership between Valdez Educational Services and the San Bernardino City Unified School District, Valdez helps students improve academic performance and gain access to higher education.
CA—Valdez Educational Services, headquartered in San Bernardino, recently recognized student achievement at a banquet highlighting academic progress and the impact of tutoring and mentoring, and awarded scholarships to four deserving students. The event brought together students, families, school district leaders, and community leaders to celebrate the importance of sustained tutoring and mentoring. The event recognized students who strengthened their math performance through targeted tutoring, mentoring, and coordinated support from educators and families. Guest speakers emphasized student persistence, academic accountability, and the value of providing consistent interventions that help students
build confidence and improve a variety of outcomes.
"Our programs are built around individualized tutoring and mentoring, Aaron Valdez, President of Valdez Educational Services, explained. “We meet students where they are at home, on school campuses, and in other learning environments where support is needed. This work is made possible because of strong partnerships with school district leaders, school board members, and educators who remain committed to student success every day."
One success story that was featured at the banquet involved a freshman at Cajon High School, Ionatana Asu. He explained how consistent support from his tutor/ mentor improved both his math skills and his overall academic mindset.
“At the start of the year, I
Meta resolves lawsuit with school district over student mental health impact
Vani Sanganeria
Meta settled a major lawsuit on Thursday with a Kentucky school district over claims that its platforms are designed to be addictive and harm children, The New York Times reported. The settlement follows other settlements with TikTok, Snap and YouTube less than three weeks before the case was scheduled for trial in an Oakland federal court.
The case, brought by Breathitt County Schools, a small rural district in Kentucky, was a bellwether case among 1,200 lawsuits filed by school districts accusing social media companies of negligence and creating addictive technology.
School districts claim that the companies’ platforms have led to significant financial strain on mental health counseling and services for students.
did not take my work seriously, especially math,” Ionatana admitted. “I would sit back, go on my phone, and avoid doing my work. I didn't like the subject, so I chose not to try.” However, through persistence from his tutor, Toni Atieh, who worked with Ionatana during lunch, after school, and in class, his world changed.
“At first it wasn't easy,” Ionatana recalled, “I got a lot of answers wrong, and I felt embarrassed; but over time, things started to change. The more Mr. Oko worked with me, the more I tried, I started to understand the work… ultimately, my grades went from a low F to a high A.’
The event also described Valdez’s work with the district's Equity Program, now in its fourth year, led by Director Dr. Wil Greer and Assistant Director Dr. Josiane Beckles. The program provides structured academic support to strengthen foundational math skills and improve student performance across participating schools.
Valdez’s work with the ATLAS Program (Access to Learning for All Students) was also highlighted. This program is led by Director Angela Urquidies
and supported by the Special Education Department, led by Dr. Ryan Rubio and former director Dr. Howana Lundy. These teams were acknowledged for expanding academic access and helping remove barriers so more students can make meaningful academic progress.
Valdez thanked district leaders, school board members, and instructional teams for supporting a service model centered on accessibility, consistency, and student growth.
"We are here this evening to celebrate these students and the progress they have made," Valdez stated.
The celebration also included recognition of a host of students whose academic improvement reflected the goals of the tutoring and mentoring model. Valdez tutors shared examples of students who significantly improved their performance through sustained support, stronger study habits, and consistent participation.
Student remarks throughout the evening reinforced the value of after-school tutoring, mentor encouragement, and structured academic follow-through. Their comments underscored how accessible support systems
Submission Deadline Monday By 5pm Tuesday by noon on holiday weekends
collaborative programs at San Bernardino City Unified School District educational sites, including a dual-service program at Arroyo Valley High School, led by Samah Mustafa and a two-year mentoring initiative at Pacific High School, led by Dr. Natalie Raymundo.
Four students were awarded $500 scholarships to help them pursue higher education. The recipients were Ionatana Asu, Honey Burke, Ulrich London, and Kayden Lacey. Each scholarship honored their outstanding academic progress, resilience, and mastery of advanced mathematics.
In their remarks, scholarship recipients expressed appreciation for the educators, mentors, families, and peers who contributed to their success.
Families were also recognized
as essential partners in student success. Speakers noted that parent encouragement, school engagement, and community advocacy all contribute to stronger academic outcomes and broader student opportunities.
Throughout the evening, participants emphasized that student growth is most sustainable when schools, families, and community partners work together. The event served as both a celebration of current achievement and a reaffirmation of continued investment in student development.
Valdez ended the celebration by saying, “This event reflects our ongoing commitment to academic support models that help students build confidence, improve performance, and pursue future educational opportunities.”
For more information, contact Eva Valdez at (909) 362-3620 or via email at Info@ ValdezEducation.com.
The settlements follow two losses for social media giants in March: a Los Angeles jury finding Meta and YouTube liable for harming a 20-yearold plaintiff, and a New Mexico jury finding Meta liable for endangering child safety.
“We’ve resolved this case amicably and remain focused on our longstanding work to build protections like Teen Accounts that help teens stay safe online, while giving parents simple controls to support their families,” said a Meta spokesperson. The company did not disclose the terms of the settlement.
Breathitt County Schools said students’ use of social media had led to increased anxiety,
Meta resolves lawsuit with school district over student mental health impact...continued
depression and self-harm, and it said the $60 million it sought through the lawsuit would pay for a 15-year mental health program to improve student mental health.
Attorneys for the district said in a statement on Thursday that “our focus remains on pursuing justice
for the remaining 1,200 school districts who have filed cases.”
The next case against social media companies brought by the Tucson Unified School District is set to go to federal court in January 2027.
Thursday, May 28, 2026
By Shikha D
Wealth-building strategies that
Black investors need to consider are real estate, stock market investing, long-term strategies, and entrepreneurship.
The investing world is rapidly changing to fit the growing needs of new investors. The great news is that in 2026, more and more Black investors are taking an active role in managing their finances and investing in real estate, stocks, and other beneficial markets.
Some reasons why Black investors are making smart financial moves in recent years are greater access to financial education, investing apps, online communities, and growing conversations around generational wealth.
Are you ready to get some financial investment advice and start making some generous money moves towards your financial freedom?
Stock Market Investing
Historically, many barriers contributed to lower market participation among some communities, such as:
Lack of access
Limited financial education
Distrust of traditional financial institutions
However, mobile investing platforms, educational content creators, and social media discussions have helped make investing feel more accessible to first-time investors. That’s the brilliant thing about the tech age.
No matter who you are or where you live, you can start investing in the market, as long as you have the minimum amount of funds to begin. Even $5 is enough to start and get into the market, especially with DRIP investing methods.
Long-Term Strategies Rather than Short-Term Speculation
Broad-market index funds, retirement accounts, and
dividend-paying stocks are gaining attention because they offer opportunities for steady growth over time. Younger investors are increasingly discussing interesting concepts as part of broader wealthbuilding goals, such as:
Compound growth
Dollar-cost averaging
Long-term portfolio diversification
Remember that the compound effect was dubbed the eighth wonder of the world, according to Albert Einstein (the quote has been attributed to many different people). If you keep on taking money out of your investments, then you are not allowing the compound effect to do its job.
Think long-term!
Retirement Planning at an Earlier Age
Rather than waiting until later in life, many younger professionals are exploring different choices designed to support long-term financial goals, such as:
Employer-sponsored retirement plans
Individual retirement accounts
Automated investing options
Starting earlier allows investments more time to potentially grow, making consistency an important priority for many investors. Even if you are in your teens or twenties right now, start investing.
Putting $5 or $20 into an ETF starting in your teens or twenties could result in millions by the time you are ready to retire in your 50s or 60s. Don’t lose out on the power of time to make smaller amounts of money into huge piles of retirement dough.
Real Estate
Homeownership continues
to be viewed as both a personal milestone and a financial investment opportunity. Some younger Black investors are exploring different strategies to build equity and create additional income streams:
Purchasing starter homes
Multi-family properties
Income-generating rental units
Others are becoming interested in real estate investment trusts (REITs), which offer exposure to real estate markets without directly purchasing property.
Always keep in mind that your primary residence is not an investment property and should never be considered in your net worth calculations. It is always going to be just a home for you and your family to live in, nothing more.
If you need additional funds to buy real estate, consider 100% hard money financing.
Entrepreneurship
Many younger investors are diversifying income through:
Side businesses
Digital brands
Consulting work
Content creation, E-commerce ventures
Business ownership is often viewed not only as an income opportunity but also as a pathway toward greater financial control and long-term asset building.
Financial Literacy
No matter where you are in your financial journey right now, you can start becoming more financially literate from the comfort of your home.
Podcasts, YouTube channels, online courses, books, and finance-focused communities have created more opportunities for younger investors to learn about:
Budgeting
Debt management
Investing principles
Taxes
Wealth preservation
Online conversations around money management have become more normalized, especially among younger generations seeking practical strategies for financial growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Invest First or Pay Off Debt First?
A lot of people wonder about this question, and it’s an important one to consider, but everyone is going to be in a different situation and have a different answer to this conundrum.
If you have a lot of credit card debt that has a high interest rate, you might consider paying that off first before starting to invest. However, mortgages, student loans, and car loans, which have a low interest rate, are fine to pay down slowly, while investing at the same time.
Many younger investors are balancing investment goals while managing student loans, housing costs, inflation, or credit obligations. Financial planning often involves finding a balance between paying down debt and investing consistently for future growth.
Are Financial Investment Apps Safe?
Absolutely! Of course, you don’t want to choose just any investment app. The best way to go about it is to pick one that’s associated with your primary bank or financial institution.
Every bank has an investment platform built into it. There are also independent FinTech companies that you can use, like Robinhood and Interactive Brokers, which have been around for a long time and are well-liked by investors.
They also have a very low barrier to entry and are easy to use.
The most important thing here is to get over your fear and anxiety and start investing now. Do not wait for some mysterious time in the future.
The more time you waste, the longer it will take you to reach your retirement goals. Remember, time and compound interest are two important parts of the financial freedom journey. Get investment advice if you need it, but start investing as soon as possible.
Smart Money Moves Include Sound Financial Investment Strategies
Your financial freedom journey will not begin unless you start investing in real estate, stocks, and more. Financial investment is becoming important to Black investors, and that’s such a great sign of the times to come.
What are you waiting for?
By BlackPressUSA
Memorial Day is a time set aside to honor those who fought and died while serving in the United States military.
While many Americans mark the holiday by heading to the beach or gathering for family barbecues, fewer may be aware of the different theories surrounding its origins.
a site of remembrance and tribute.
The ceremony was led by 3,000 African American schoolchildren, who marched while singing “John Brown’s Body” and carrying armfuls of roses. They were followed by hundreds of African American women bearing baskets of flowers, wreaths, and crosses. Black men also joined the procession, alongside Union infantry and a diverse group of Black and white citizens, including missionaries and educators.
the newly freed community’s understanding of the war as a fight for their emancipation.
Participants made clear that, in their view, the Civil War was fundamentally about the triumph over slavery, not merely issues of states’ rights or battlefield valor. This interpretation reflected the lived experiences of those who had endured enslavement and were now claiming their place in shaping national memory.
By BlackPress of America
1. 79% of Black households have at least one parent who is employed. This is similar to White households (80%) based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey.
2. More Black children live in a household with a mother with a BA or higher degree (22%) than in one with less than a high school diploma (13%). Further, almost 9% of Black people over the age of 25 have a graduate or professional degree.
3. Almost 80% of Black families of preschoolers read to their children at least four days a week or tell a story. Early home literacy practices have a positive effect on children’s early language and literacy and later reading achievement and school outcomes.
4. Black parents support positive social identity and high educational expectations. Black parenting is about transmitting positive messages about children’s cultural background, heritage, and identity, and about holding children to high expectations related to their behavior and academic learning. In line with Afrocentric parenting, Black parents emphasize values in their child-rearing practices such as family interconnectedness, independence, obedience, behaving well, and respecting others.
5. Three out of four Black children are in formal early care and education by age four and are likely to be in care before the age of one. Unfortunately, being in
care does not guarantee that the care is affordable and of high quality, with many Black families encountering difficulties related to the cost of care, meeting the eligibility requirements for child care assistance, and the quality of care.
6. Black children score high for cognitive skills at nine months old.
7. Black children have strong social skills, especially cooperation during play. Socioemotional skills are positively associated with children’s academic achievement. Black children show strong competency in this area, especially as it concerns emotion regulation, attention, and positive coping strategies.
8. Black children have strong oral narrative and storytelling skills that are part of their cultural roots and supportive of their learning. Oral language and storytelling skills are part of Afrocentric practices, and there is evidence that these skills are related to later reading achievement. Studies show that oral language is a strong skill set of Black children compared to other children and predictive of their early literacy and later school achievement.
9. More Black children ages 3–5 are able to read words in a book compared to other children. Data from Boston, Massachusetts, showed that 16% of Black children are able to read words in a book. Furthermore, 38% of Black children in this age group recognize all letters of the alphabet, and 69% can count to 20 or higher.
City News
On Monday, May 25, 2026, at approximately 10:14 a.m., deputies from the Victorville Police Department responded to the 17000 block of C Street for a report of an assault.
Savannah Gordon was arrested and booked at the High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto, for P.C. 245(A)(1) – Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
One of the earliest known observances took place on May 1, 1865, in Charleston, South Carolina, when newly freed African Americans gathered to honor Union soldiers who had died during the Civil War. These soldiers—257 in total— had been buried in a mass grave after suffering from disease and exposure while being held in harsh conditions.
According to The American Oracle: The Civil War in the Civil Rights Era by Yale University historian David Blight, the event drew more than 10,000 participants. It was held at what had been known as the “slaveholders’ racecourse,” transforming a place once associated with oppression into
The program included musical performances by a children’s choir and readings of scripture by Black ministers. Together, these acts honored the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers, many of whom had not been treated with dignity in life or death.
As Blight explains, the Union soldiers had been “kept in horrible conditions” and were hastily buried behind the grandstand after dying in captivity. The May 1 gathering served as a powerful statement— both of remembrance and of
This early commemoration— sometimes referred to as the first “Decoration Day”—helped lay the groundwork for what would eventually become Memorial Day. It remains a significant, though often overlooked, chapter in American history, highlighting the role of African Americans in honoring the nation’s fallen soldiers.
As generations continue to observe Memorial Day, events like the 1865 Charleston tribute serve as a reminder of the deeper historical roots of the holiday and its enduring meaning.
The 71-year-old male victim reported he was assaulted by Savannah Gordon, his former caretaker. Gordon became agitated during an argument and struck the victim multiple times with a mesh bag containing a heavy object.
The victim sustained lacerations to his arm and head. Gordon fled the location in her vehicle prior to deputies arriving.
Later that day, at approximately 11:53 p.m., Victorville’s Drone First Responder (DFR) was near the incident location. The drone pilot observed the suspect vehicle and an individual matching Gordon’s description. Deputies arrived at the location and located Gordon.
Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact the Victorville Police Station at (760) 241-2911 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 9565001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call or text “REPORT” to We-Tip at 844909-3006. Online reporting is also available at https://mobile. catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites. Refer: Deputy A. Quezada Station: Victorville Phone No. (760) 241-2911 Case No. DR# 172606573
SHANNON D. DICUS, SheriffCoroner San Bernardino County SheriffCoroner Department
Thursday, May 28, 2026
By Dr. Damanpreet Jamarai, Medicare & Retirement Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare of California
As we head into the warmer months, it's a natural time to reevaluate our nutrition and fitness routines. There's no better time than now to take stock of our daily habits and recommit to the healthy choices that support long-term well-being, starting with what's on our plates. For older adults especially, nutrition isn't just about energy or weight goals; it plays a vital role in preventing and controlling conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
The ABCs of Chronic Disease
Chronic diseases are widespread in the U.S., especially among older adults. Recent research found that 93% of U.S. adults age 65 and older live with at least one chronic
condition, and nearly 80% have two or more.
According to the latest America’s Health Rankings Senior Report, chronic diseases account for six of the top 10 causes of early death nationally among adults ages 65 to 74— including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. In California, 49% of Medicare beneficiaries in this age bracket are managing multiple chronic conditions.
Despite these numbers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers an important insight: most chronic diseases stem from a few key habits, such as a poor diet, tobacco use, drinking too much alcohol, or physical inactivity.
The encouraging news is that many of these risk factors are largely within our control—and making positive changes to your daily habits can go a long way toward protecting your overall health.
Nutrition Is the Key
You’ve likely seen plenty of fad diets that promise dramatic results, from slashing cholesterol levels to shedding extra pounds before summer. But when it comes to long-term health, the goal isn’t a quick fix—it’s managing or preventing chronic disease through balanced, healthy eating over time.
A more sustainable approach is to focus on simple, evidencebased eating habits rather than following the latest trend. Patterns that emphasize fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and limited sodium and added sugars are associated with better heart health, blood sugar control, and overall well-being.
These principles are flexible, realistic and can be adapted to personal preferences, cultural traditions, and individual health needs, making them easier to maintain for the long haul.
Putting Healthy Eating into Practice
For most people, overhauling your entire diet overnight isn’t necessary—or realistic. Lasting change comes from small, consistent steps that make healthy eating more manageable. Here are some simple ways to get started:
Plan balanced meals: Planning ahead can help you stay on track. Aim to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, a quarter with whole grains, and a quarter with lean protein—a simple, balanced approach recommended by health professionals.
Incorporate more fiber-rich foods: Beans, lentils, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables support digestion while also
helping manage heart health and blood sugar.
Stay hydrated: Choose water throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps you feel your best and can prevent mistaking thirst for hunger.
Watch portion sizes: Using smaller plates or bowls can make it easier to manage portions while still enjoying a variety of foods.
Read nutrition labels: Look for options lower in sodium, added sugars, and unhealthy fats to support heart and overall health.
Managing chronic diseases can feel overwhelming, but every positive choice counts. By making nutrition a priority throughout the year, we can take meaningful steps toward better health, more energy, and improved quality of life. If you have specific health concerns, consider working with your health care provider to create a nutrition plan that’s right for you.
For more information or for ideas on healthy eating plans, check out UnitedHealthcare's nutrition and healthy eating resources.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a doctor. Consult your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.
By Araceli Martinez
It was 3 in the morning on May 13 when Lara Valdez, 70, woke up terrified by a deafening sound. Federal immigration agents were trying to enter her home in Ventura County, California.
“I was in a deep sleep, and I remember hearing what sounded like a bomb in my bedroom,” said Valdez in Spanish. “I got up shocked, and at that moment my son, Leo [Martinez] came in and said, ‘I’m turning myself in. They’re coming for me.’” Valdez barely had time to put on a robe when she heard the agents cocking their weapons.
“They broke our door down, then pointed two rifles at me as they took me outside. They put me in a van and had an agent keep watch over me,” she said. After a few seconds, she saw agents taking her son out, his hands zip tied at the wrists. The two, mother and son, were placed across from each other in the van.
That same morning, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents conducted raids on the homes of two other individuals. Both — like Valdez and her son — are known in the community as pro-immigrant activists. Agents also raided her son’s business.
All four are U.S. citizens and members of VC Defensa, which Martinez founded in November 2024. The rapid response network organizes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) patrols. It also operates a hotline and other community support efforts for immigrant families
in the county.
‘It was a disaster’ Sitting in the van that morning, Valdez saw that her entire street had been cordoned off. Through the partially drawn curtains of her bedroom window she saw agents ripping through her belongings. They rummaged through every nook and cranny of her small home. Laura estimates that there were nearly 40 agents outside her house, and about 14 inside.
On the night of May 13, Laura Valdez, a US citizen, was woken by the sounds of federal agents storming her home and that of her son, Leo Martinez. The two are well-known proimmigration activists. (Credit: Araceli Martinez)
“They left our house devastated. The mattresses were overturned, clothes torn out of closets and thrown everywhere. It was a disaster. They even went through bottles of vitamins,” she recalled.
Eventually, agents left with Valdez’ cell phone and that of her son’s, as well as her computer. From her son’s business, agents also took with them expensive translation equipment used as part of know-your-rights workshops that VC Defensa conducts.
Valdez says the aggressive overnight operation was an invasion of her privacy.
“I felt like the worst kind of criminal, but despite the excessive violence they used to search the house, they won’t
intimidate us,” she said.
Valdez oversees food distribution for needy migrant families at VC Defensa.
“They shouldn’t be subjected to so much violence. The only crime many of these people have committed is migrating, which at worst is a civil offense, not something that warrants treating them like terrorists.”
Repeated arrests
This is not the first time that Valdez’ son, 43, has been targeted by federal agents.
On October 16 he was detained in the city of Oxnard, about two hours north of Los Angeles, while patrolling an industrial area where he encountered several ICE vehicles. Video released by VC Defensa shows one of the ICE vehicles ramming into Martinez’ truck.
Martinez was subsequently taken to the Downtown Los Angeles Detention Center. While there he was held inside an SUV for hours before being released, pending charges.
“They hit me and later tried to say that I was the aggressor,” said Martinez.
In a statement, ICE said agents were “confronted by a group of agitators,” who proceeded to film while verbally assaulting the agents.
On March 10, Martinez was again detained by federal agents in Simi Valley, in southeastern Ventura County. He had arrived to help VC Defensa members who were alerting the community
Wanda Haynes-Certified Sommelier
I can’t imagine a world without a bottle of Champagne to help celebrate life.
Champagne is made from a combination of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier, and produced in the Champagne region of France. Champagne is fermented twice using CO2 during the second fermentation. This is when the millions of bubbles are formed. This ageold process is called “method traditional.” Brut is a French term that means "dry" and is used to describe a type of Champagne with a low sugar content.
Vintage Champagne is a sparkling wine that is made exclusively from grapes harvested in a specific year when the harvest was exceptional.
Nonvintage Champagne (NV) also known as multi-vintage, are produced from a variety of growth years. The goal is to produce a consistent wine every year; this version of Champagne is the most affordable and accessible. Other sparkling wines aren’t Champagne, and they’re from other place with other names.
Perlage refers to this fine chain of bubbles in sparkling wine. Originating from the French word for "pearl”. Mousse refers to the frothy, creamy foam that forms on the surface of sparkling wine immediately after pouring.
The nose is fanciful with whispers of apples, quince, pear, lemon rind, iris, violets, and a summer breeze. Tastes of Champagne consist of baked brioche, simmered fall pears,
to ICE’s presence. When he was spotted, he says, between four and five federal vehicles struck his car to force them to stop.
After being arrested, he was taken to Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, where he was released hours later.
Nothing to hide
“If, at the end of the day, they were to have access to all the messages and files from the inception of our organization, they wouldn’t find anything criminal,” said Martinez, “because there is nothing we have to hide.”
He added, “Every violent arrest they make against us demonstrates agents’ frustration because we won’t let them do whatever they want in our communities.”
As for VC Defensa — which, according to Martinez, counts around 1000 volunteers — for every member of the network detained or deported, including himself, someone else will be there to take their place.
“If they lock me up, that won’t affect the organization,” Martinez said. “If I disappear, the patrols and workshops will continue providing support to families.” Besides, he added, “If they truly had something against me, they would have arrested me by now.”
granny Smith apples, toasted almonds, hazelnuts, and orange blossoms.
Champagne pairs well with coconut shrimp, roasted herbed chicken, salmon, omelets, chocolate croissant, French toast, fresh fruit, and lobster mac+cheese.
Think about making a Champagne mimosa with high quality orange juice, no ice.
Left over Champagne can be used to marinate fresh fruit, the alcohol will still be present, this treat is for adults 21 and older. Storing any sparkling wine has little shelf life and the bubbles start to dissipate within hours of opening. There are plenty of devices on the market that help to save some bubbles, but finishing the wine is the best option.
Champagne Glasses It is a fun rumor that the prototype for the coupe Champagne glass was formed on the left breast of Madame Marie Antoinette. The tulip Champagne glass is beautiful as part of a formal table setting. The classic flute is a narrow Champagne glass and can be purchased with gold rims. Stemless doubled walled glasses don’t allow touching the actual glass holding the wine, and as a result the wine stays colder longer. Consider washing all wine glasses with baking soda, avoiding liquid soap and the dishwasher.
Protecting the glass from soap residue and the possible harm of an automated dish washer. Cheers.
ICE Raids Target Home of Pro-Immigrant Activists in Ventura...continued
Targeting activists
Juan José Gutiérrez, director of the Coalition for Full Rights for Immigrants in Los Angeles, says the Trump administration has unleashed war against undocumented immigrants using repressive tactics that are increasingly being used on American citizens.
“Not only have they arrested and deported undocumented immigrants … but two Americans were also killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by immigration authorities for the audacity of having stood in solidarity with the immigrant community,” he said.
“What occurred in Ventura,” he added, referring to the raid on the home of Valdez and her son, “is extremely grave.”
A New York Times report published in March revealed the existence of a DHS task force investigating groups including VC Defensa, seeking to build criminal cases against the group.
Across the country, hundreds of immigrant advocates have been arrested on charges of assaulting and obstructing federal agents. Prosecutors in most cases have failed to secure convictions as agent testimony has often been contradicted by video recordings made by protestors or bystanders.
A coalition of lawyers,
meanwhile, is preparing a lawsuit challenging the searches conducted in Ventura.
“These raids have been taking place ever since the Trump administration decided to terrorize our communities. They rarely result in arrests or formal charges, and when they do, the government fails to meet the burden of proof,” said Reem Yassia, an attorney for VC Defensa.
She described the May 13 raids on the home of Valdez and Martinez as intimidation tactics designed to suppress freedom of expression.
VC Defensa is preparing a federal civil lawsuit targeting the agencies responsible and those who issued the orders.
“VC Defensa operates within the confines of the law, and [agents’] intimidation tactics have failed to yield results over the past year. They will not work now, nor will they work in the future,” said Yassia. “We are strong in Ventura. We are strong in California, and we will not back down.”
This story is part of “Aquí Estamos/Here We Stand,” a collaborative reporting project of American Community Media and community news outlets statewide.
May 28, 2026
By Jongwon Lee
On the final day of January this year, Kim sat stoically in a Fulton County courtroom, watching Robert Aaron Long and his legal team.
On the final day of January this year, Kim sat stoically in a Fulton County courtroom, watching Robert Aaron Long and his legal team.
Five years have passed since Long shot and killed eight people at three Atlanta-area spas on March 16, 2021. Six of the victims were women of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent; one was the wife of Kim, whose name has been changed to protect his privacy.
Throughout the five-year legal process, Kim and his son have shared courtroom rows with Long’s parents. Though they have occupied opposite sides of the gallery for half a decade, the two families have never spoken. It was Long’s parents who initially contacted police to report that their son was the gunman. Gold Spa after the March 16, 2021 shooting, later that month.
(Photo: Jongwon Lee)
Now over 70 years old, Kim’s stoicism is beginning to fall under the weight of the delay. Battling a severe bout of the flu during the January hearing, he told Korean observers “At the very least, I want to live long enough to see the end of this endless trial.”
Long was sentenced to life in prison without parole in Cherokee County Court just four months after the 2021 shootings, following a guilty plea for the four murders committed in that jurisdiction.
This case was transferred to Fulton County, where another four deaths of AAPI women occurred. Unlike Cherokee County, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is seeking the death penalty and pursuing hate crime enhancements, which have kept the case in pre-trial hearings for five years.
The proceedings are on track to become one of the longest murder trials in Georgia history, surpassing the four-year Jamie Hood trial and nearing the fiveand-a-half-year duration of the Tiffany Moss case.
Kim is not the only relative exhausted by the wait. Michael Webb, whose ex-wife Xiaojie Tan was killed, missed the
annual memorial at the Georgia State Capitol for the second consecutive year.
Since 2021, Webb has been a vocal advocate for gun control and hate crime legislation. By 2026, he described the five-year mark as a “painful chapter,” stating in a released message at the fifth anniversary memorial of the Atlanta spa shooting, “My daughter still lives every day without her mother … every year around March 16, the grief returns like it happened yesterday.”
A new business in March 2026, at the same location as the former Gold Spa. (Photo: Jongwon Lee)
The difficulty of prosecuting hate crimes
The January hearing focused on whether the targeted killing of women of Asian heritage constitutes “domestic terrorism” under Georgia law. The statute requires proof that a person “intended to intimidate the public … while causing significant harm to others.” While the DA argued the murders directed at Asian women show Long’s intent, the defense countered that the law itself is vague and unconstitutional.
The DA’s filings allege that Long “intentionally selected victims because of her actual or perceived race, national origin, sex, and gender” under Georgia’s Hate Crime Law.
The case marks the first major legal test of Georgia’s domestic terrorism and hate crime statutes.
Georgia had no hate crime law for 16 years after the state Supreme Court struck down a 2004 version for being “unconstitutionally vague.”
The current hate crime law was passed in 2020, in the wake of the murder of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, Georgia, and a rise in anti-Asian incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic. It amended portions of the Code that the state Supreme Court previously found unconstitutional by adding specific words “intentionally select any victim because of such victim’s … race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, mental disability, or physical disability.”
However, the evidentiary bar for “specific intent” remains high. Long has denied a racial intent, claiming he was motivated by a “sex addiction” and “wanted to shoot anyone and everyone he saw.” Furthermore, then-Cherokee County District Attorney Shannon Wallace chose to pursue only murder and assault charges against Long and declined to pursue hate crime charges in the 2021 trial.
U.S. Senator Andy Kim holds a “Stand Together” sign at this year’s March 16 Atlanta spa shooting memorial in Duluth, Georgia. (Photo: Jongwon Lee)
After the plea deal with Long, Wallace stated that “investigators did not find sufficient evidence to prove a bias-motivated attack beyond a reasonable doubt.” She added that if the case had gone to trial, she intended to portray the case as a bias against gender, but not as a racially motivated attack against Asians.
Unlike Wallace, Willis continues to pursue hate crime charges against Long — marking Georgia’s first such case — stating in a WSB-TV interview that “these crimes were driven by bias against two communities: women and Asian Americans.”
Shifting political support
As the legal battle continues, community leaders and elected officials have voiced deep concerns regarding the lack of institutional understanding and the long-term trauma inflicted on Atlanta’s AAPI community.
Representatives from the White House, along with elected officials at the federal level, have been absent from the annual memorial ceremony since 2025, following the Trump administration’s disbanding of the Biden-launched White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
Victoria Huynh, one of the organizers of the ceremony, noted “We do not have the same type of attention and support that we used to have.”
During the fifth anniversary memorial in Duluth, U.S. Senator Andy Kim recalled
Looking to publish.
FBN Statement
Name Change
a dismissive interaction with a colleague shortly after the 2021 shooting that highlighted the disconnect in Washington, D.C.: “A member of Congress approached me and said ‘I am so sorry for the shooting and what is happening to the Asian American community right now. But the pandemic will be over, so don’t worry. It will all go back to normal.’ That really showed just the lack of understanding. We know that there was racism and discrimination before the pandemic, before the shooting.”
Senator Kim, the only federal official to attend the Atlanta memorial in person this year, emphasized that the struggle for justice is part of a broader national crisis: “It shows the challenges that we are facing right now in this country, and the attack upon pluralism and diversity that is happening, including out of the mouths of some of my colleagues, who swore to defend this Constitution.”
An AAPI community in limbo
During this year’s March 16 memorial, Duluth Councilwoman Sarah Park reflected on the heavy emotional toll the delay has taken on the AAPI community, noting that time has not yet brought closure: “I am not sure the community will ever fully heal. It’s still the stage where we are talking about healing or what actually took place. But we wanted this year to be where we can hear from one another and just check in.”
In the same event, Bonnie Youn, a member of the 3/16 Commemoration Committee, spoke to the moral imperative of continuing the fight for a verdict: “The victims cannot speak, their families have sacrificed so much, so we need to be able to speak and give voice to their need for justice, and the need for justice for all of our communities.”
The families of the eight victims expected progress at another inquiry hearing scheduled for March 31, 2026, in Fulton County Court, but the judge canceled it at the last minute. With no new trial date set, the families have no choice but to continue their wait. L E G A L S / C L A S S I F I E D S
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Tiene
después de
esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por
corte y hacer que
entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov)
Thursday, May 28, 2026
By Billie Pollisotto
Cooking classes do far more than teach recipes. They build confidence, sharpen problemsolving skills, and create realworld independence that carries into daily life. Learners walk away with practical abilities, stronger decision-making habits, and a deeper connection to what they eat.
Someone who once relied on takeout stands in a small kitchen, calmly balancing timing, heat, and flavor while preparing a full meal from scratch. What started as a simple class quickly turned into something bigger: improved focus, better planning skills, and the confidence to try unfamiliar challenges without hesitation.
Cooking classes quietly reshape how people approach everyday tasks, turning routine meals into opportunities for growth, creativity, and selfreliance.
Are Cooking Classes Worth It? Creating Social Connections
Cooking classes at Culinary Crafts in Salt Lake City create natural opportunities for people to connect through shared experiences. Working side by side on the same dish encourages conversation, cooperation, and a sense of teamwork that often feels more relaxed than traditional social settings.
Participants quickly move past small talk because the activity gives them something to focus on together. Tasks like chopping and plating invite collaboration, which helps people build rapport without pressure.
These environments often lead to meaningful interactions through moments such as:
Sharing personal food traditions
Asking for help with techniques
Problem-solving when something goes wrong
Celebrating completed dishes
ShutterStock / NNPA together
Encouraging others during challenging steps
Talking about memorable meals from home or travel
Those shared moments create a sense of belonging. Over time, cooking classes can turn into social hubs where friendships grow, making the experience just as valuable socially as it is educational.
Can Cooking Classes Help People Become More Adventurous Eaters?
Cooking classes expose learners to new ingredients, flavors, and techniques in a setting that feels approachable. Trying unfamiliar foods becomes less intimidating when guided by an instructor and shared with others who are learning at the same pace.
Participants are more likely to taste something new when they understand how it is prepared and have a role in creating the dish themselves.
Classes often introduce learners to experiences such as:
Cooking with spices they have never used before
Preparing dishes from different cultures
Experimenting with new textures and flavor combinations
Tasting ingredients in fresh or unexpected ways
These experiences help shift comfort zones. Over time, learners become more open to trying new foods, which can lead to a more varied and enjoyable approach to eating.
Saving Money Long-Term With Local Cooking Workshops
Local cooking workshops can lead to meaningful cost savings over time by teaching practical skills that reduce everyday food
BLACK HISTORY TRIVIA
(ANSWERS 5/21/26)
Q: What was the Greenwood area of Tulsa, Oklahoma also known as in 1921? Black Wall Street
Q: Fifteen jockeys rode in the first Kentucky Derby. How many of the fifteen were African-American? 13
Q: In 1870 what state elected the first African American to be seated as a Representative in the United States Congress? South Carolina
Q: Billie Holiday, also known as "Lady Day", was one of the greatest jazz musicians of the 20th century. She is best known for the song "God Bless the Child" and also "Strange Fruit". What was this 'strange fruit' a metaphor for? The lynching of African Americans
Q. The first Jim Crow law segregated train passengers, Where what is passed? Tennessee
Q. Which person was born in Massachusetts, was the first African-American to receive a Ph.D from Harvard and wrote 'Souls of Black Folk'? W.E.B. DuBois
expenses. Learning how to prepare meals at home helps limit reliance on takeout, prepackaged options, and last-minute grocery purchases.
These classes also introduce smarter shopping and planning habits. Participants often gain a better understanding of how to stretch ingredients and make meals that last beyond a single sitting.
Learners develop stronger budgeting awareness by:
Planning meals in advance
Repurposing leftovers
Choosing seasonal ingredients
Cooking in batches
Comparing prices before buying ingredients
Reducing food waste through better portioning
These habits create consistency in spending and reduce unnecessary food costs.
Building Confidence
Cooking classes help build confidence by giving learners clear, achievable wins in a structured environment.
Completing a recipe from start to finish provides a sense of accomplishment that reinforces the belief that new skills can be learned and improved with practice.
The hands-on nature of cooking plays an important role in that growth. Participants follow instructions, make adjustments in real time, and see immediate results, which helps turn uncertainty into capability.
As learners practice techniques, refine their timing, and become more comfortable with ingredients, they begin to trust their instincts. That shift often carries beyond the kitchen, influencing how they approach challenges in other areas of life.
Time Management
Hands-on culinary training trains learners to think in sequences and manage multiple tasks at once. Preparing a dish often involves timing different steps correctly, which helps participants understand how to prioritize and stay organized under pressure.
That structure builds practical habits. Learners begin to anticipate what needs to happen next, reduce delays between steps, and avoid common mistakes that come from poor timing.
Participants carry those time management skills into daily
routines, making it easier to plan meals and stay on track in other areas of life.
Learn Problem-Solving
Culinary schools place learners in situations where quick thinking matters. Recipes do not always go as planned, and participants must adjust when ingredients are missing or when timing needs to change.
That environment encourages practical decision-making.
Learners begin to understand how to:
Substitute ingredients
Fix texture issues
Balance flavors
Modify recipes based on available tools
Scale portions up or down efficiently
As those experiences add up, problem-solving becomes more instinctive. Participants grow more comfortable adapting in real time, which helps them handle unexpected challenges both in and out of the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should a Beginner Cook First?
A beginner should start with simple, forgiving recipes that focus on basic techniques rather than complexity. Dishes like the following help build confidence while introducing essential skills like chopping, seasoning, and timing:
Pasta
Stir-fry
Omelets
Roasted vegetables
Starting with these approachable meals allows learners to understand how ingredients work together without feeling overwhelmed.
How Do You Choose the Right Cooking Class?
Choosing the right cooking class depends on your skill level, goals, and preferred learning style. A beginner may benefit from foundational courses, while more experienced learners might look for specialized classes focused on techniques or specific cuisines.
It also helps to consider:
Class size
Instructor experience
Format
Skill level required
State Budget Could Impact
Photo Credits: Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino Riverside, CA, May 26th, 2026 – Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) is grateful that Governor Newsom included $38 million of CalFood funding in the new state budget; however, the local food bank worries that it is not enough to address hunger as a whole within the Inland Empire (IE) and beyond.
“Programs like CalFood are essential to helping us meet the growing need for food assistance across California,” said Interim CEO Joanna Solorio. “While we are grateful for the funding we received, we remain concerned that it does not go far enough, especially for families here
Revised State Budget Could Impact IE Families...continued
numbers showing a total of 5.7 million people served in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. With the changes in HR-1 not fully implemented, there is still worry around the effects of reductions or losses in benefits affecting IE families especially hard, as a majority of community members struggle to keep up with the rising costs of living.
FARSB is asking to fully fund CalFood to protect our food system and boost food banks' abilities to provide nutritious food for families in need in the IE.
Help Support Food Banks During Uncertainty:
Give Funds – Donate to help support food banks during uncertainty
Give Food – Start a food drive to boost food donations
Give Time – Sign up for a sorting shift at the warehouse or off-site distribution If you’d like to know more about FARSB legislative priorities, please visit www. FeedingIE.org/advocacy to stay updated on current public policy concerns.
By MSR News Online
Rob Base, born Robert Ginyard and one half of the legendary hiphop duo Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, at age 59 after a private battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy rooted in the 1988 anthem It Takes Two and a pioneering role in bringing hip-hop and house music to mainstream audiences.
Hip-hop has lost one of its foundational voices.
Rob Base, born Robert Ginyard and one half of the legendary duo Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2026, surrounded by family after a private battle with cancer. He was 59 years old, having celebrated his birthday just four days before his death.
His family announced the news on his Instagram page. “Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world,” the statement read. “Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten. Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives.”
A Harlem Legacy That Reached Millions
Rob Base grew up in Harlem, New York, where he met his future partner DJ E-Z Rock in the fifth grade. Together they built a rap career from the ground up, recording early demos before breaking through with one of the most recognizable songs in hiphop history. Their 1988 hit It Takes Two was a genre-crossing phenomenon, blending rap, dance, and sampled
in the IE. As federal cuts to CalFresh and SNAP continue to impact vulnerable households, food banks cannot bridge the gap alone. Sustained state investment is critical to ensuring our neighbors do not go without the food they need.” Solorio continued.
A University of California, Riverside study found that 53% of households are struggling with the rising cost of living, while 6% say they are suffering. Basic needs are cited as a major issue for many in the region, with over 370,000 households in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties relying on CalFresh.
A drop in participation due to new restrictions will cause more families to utilize food banks to bridge that gap, and food banks simply don’t have that capacity. FARSB has seen record numbers of neighbors coming to distributions or partner pantries year over year, with the latest
since been sampled by artists including Snoop Dogg and The Black Eyed Peas, and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The duo also charted with Joy and Pain and Get on the Dance Floor. For Black communities across the country, It Takes Two was more than a song. It was a moment, a feeling, and a memory tied to block parties, cookouts, roller rinks, and living rooms from coast to coast. If you grew up Black in the late 1980s or early 1990s, that record was part of the soundtrack of your life.
A Pioneer Who Helped Shape the Sound Alongside DJ E-Z Rock, Rob Base was instrumental in crosspollinating hip-hop and house music and bringing them to the mainstream in the 1980s. His influence on the genre extended far beyond chart positions. He helped prove that hip-hop could fill dance floors and reach audiences that had never heard the music before, opening doors that generations of artists would walk through after him.
DJ E-Z Rock, whose real name was Rodney Bryce, passed away in 2014 from complications related to diabetes. The two had been friends since childhood, and Rob Base spoke often about the bond they shared. “He was a good DJ, but everybody just loved him for who he was,” Base once said. “Just a funny guy.”
Rob Base’s final public statement came just days before his death, when he marked his 59th birthday with a post to Instagram. “Happy 59th birthday to me. God thank you for allowing me to see another year,” he wrote.
He will be remembered not just for the records but for the joy he gave to an entire generation. Rest in Power, Rob Base.
Thursday, May 28, 2026
