Years
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Vol. 65 No. 18 | Thursday, May 1, 2025
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Serving San Diego County’s African & African American Communities 65 Years
DEMOCRATSParty TAKE TO THE STEPS OF THE U.S. CAPITOL leaders speak out against budget cuts By Lauren Burke NNPA In a show of solidarity against the congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration, dozens of congressional Democratic members of Congress gathered on the steps of the U.S. House of Representatives from sunrise to sunset Sunday, April 27, to speak out against budget cuts. “The budget is a moral document,” said New Jersey Senator Cory Booker as he sat wearing a black shirt and pants next to the Democratic leader in the U.S. House, Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. The two started with only Senator Chris Coons of Delaware at 7:30 am on Sunday,
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., rallies Democrats against the Republican budget plan, on the House steps at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. PHOTO: J. Scott Applewhite/AP
FOUR BLACK CAUCUS INSIDE THIS “ROAD TO REPAIR” BILLS Bills aim to reduce biases; determine reparations eligibility
April 27. As the day moved forward, many other members, advocates, and curious onlookers joined them in support of their effort to bring attention to what may be a historic budget in terms of cuts to social programs. Throughout the day, lawmakers took turns sharing personal stories and reading testimonies from constituents whose lives have been transformed by government assistance. But since Trump took office for his second term in January, his focus has been on cutting the federal government and the jobs and programs associated that assist millions of Americans. See DEMOCRATS page 2
POLITICAL PLAYBACK
WEEK'S ISSUE:
California Capitol News You Might Have Missed By Bo Tefu CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA
SKYLINE HILLS, SOCIAL CLUBS EASTER EGG HUNT
With Optimism and Gratitude, Sec. of State Weber Addressed Black Capitol Staffers
SEE PAGE 7
On April 23, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber addressed Black staffers during a reception at the State Capitol.
PHOTO: Courtesy of CBM
By Edward Henderson CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA “Senate Bill (SB) 437 utilizes the California State University to explore options to determine how to confirm if an individual is a descendant of a person who was a victim of American chattel slavery,” said Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego).
PHOTO: Creative Commons License
Weber joined leaders and members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and the California Legislative Black Staff Association for the annual Black Staff Appreciation Event.
GRAMA BLUE’S 4th ANNUAL COMMUNITY BBQ SEE PAGE 11
See BILLS page 2
Weber told guests that she is committed to uplifting Black professionals in government.
“During the conversation, Secretary Weber underscored the importance of creating space for Black staff to connect with elected leaders and ensure they are heard and seen at the highest levels,” Weber’s office posted on Facebook. See PLAYBACK page 2
THE REAL ID DEADLINE IS MAY 7 Here’s What Californians Need to Know
Schedule your appointment through a California DMV office and obtain your Real ID application code (issued when you schedule your appointment online). Be prepared to pay a $35 fee.
By Edward Henderson CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA On May 7, the federal government will start enforcing Real ID requirements at U.S. airports and some federal facilities. From this date forward, travelers will need a Real ID compliant license or other accepted form of identification like a passport to pass security checks before boarding a domestic flight.
Updated California licenses will be marked by a golden bear in the upper right-hand corner of the card. Travelers 18 or over need the ID for U.S domestic flights. The ID cannot be used to travel internationally, with an exception for land or water border crossings into Mexico and Canada. See REAL ID page 2
PHOTO: Courtesy of CBM
A BLACK POPE? FRANCIS MADE IT A POSSIBILITY Pope Francis helped the Catholic Church atone for its past. Will his legacy last? By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware WORD IN BLACK He installed Washington, D.C.’s first Black cardinal, connected with America’s first Black president, and appointed three Black men who are in contention to succeed him. He condemned racism as a “sin,” visited poor Black communities, and ministered to imprisoned Black men. Cardinal Wilton Daniel Gregory. PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
As accolades poured in from around the world on the death of Pope Francis, prominent Black
Americans pointed to the pontiff ’s legacy of advocating for the marginalized, including Black people. Others, however, speculated that Francis redirected church leadership in such a way that the possibility exists for the election of the first Black pope. In a statement, President Barack Obama said Francis “shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another.”
faithful living,” The Right Rev. Paula Clark, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, said in a statement Monday, April 21. “He embraced and advocated for all people and was forthright in encouraging peace everywhere.” See POPE page 2
The pope was “a great leader and an example of
In Memoriam
Orned “Chicken” Gabriel 8/26/1950 – 4/13/2025 The city of San Diego and the global martial arts community are mourning the loss of one of its most beloved and accomplished members, Grand Master Orned “Chicken” Gabriel. SEE MR. GABRIEL’S FULL OBITUARY - PAGE 5
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