Years
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Vol. 66 No. 12 | Thursday, March 19, 2026
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Serving San Diego County’s African & African American Communities 66 Years
WITH CALIFORNIA ANTI-HATE PROGRAM SET TO END, BLACK CALIFORNIANS REMAIN MOST TARGETED GROUP By Edward Henderson
CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA A meeting of the California Civic Media Program Advisory Board was briefly disrupted last month when an unknown participant hijacked the Zoom chat and repeatedly posted the racial slur “I HATE N**GERS!” before moderators removed the messages. The incident underscored a troubling
reality highlighted in a new statewide report: anti-Black hate remains persistent in California, and Black residents continue to experience the highest rates of hate incidents. Days later, the California Commission on the State of Hate released its 2024– 2025 Annual Report on Feb. 24, warning that hate activity remains elevated statewide and that Black
Californians continue to face disproportionate harm. The findings come as California prepares to close its Stop the Hate program on June 30, 2026, after investing $250 million in public awareness, prevention and grassroots anti-hate work. See ANTI-HATE PROGRAM page 2
Attendees visit the California Black Media “Stop the Hate” booth during the Taste of Soul festival in Los Angeles, Oct. 19, 2024. PHOTO: CBM STAFF
ORIGINAL TARGET BOYCOTT ORGANIZERS SPEAK OUT: ‘THIS IS OUR MOVEMENT’
MITRI’S DELIGHTS SWEETENS UP MISSION VALLEY SEE PAGE 12
CELEBRATING A LEGACY OF CARE San Diego honors Dr. Suzanne Affalo’s 25+ years of service. SEE PAGES 6-7
2nd ANNUAL BLACK WELLNESS EXPO! SEE PAGE 6
CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO CELEBRATES 137 YEARS VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE
PHOTO: Courtesy of Calvary Baptist Church
A SALUTE TO OUR AFRICAN NATIONS Voice & Viewpoint Staff
A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER: This article continues our salute to the independence anniversary of African nations, acknowledging our respect and appreciation of our brothers and sisters among us as we work together to build better lives.
Tunisia’s Path to Independence: March 20, 1956 Tunisia became independent on March 20, Photo: Tunisian flag, Wikimedia Commons 1956, ending decades of control by France. France had established a protectorate in Tunisia Namibia’s Path to Independence: in 1881 after invading the country and expanding its influence in March 21, 1990 North Africa. Over time, Tunisian nationalist movements grew stronger, particularly after World War I, as people demanded Namibia achieved independence on March political reforms and self-rule. Through years of protests, negotiations, and political pressure, Tunisian leaders pushed for inde21, 1990, ending decades of foreign rule. The pendence until France finally agreed to recognize Tunisia as a region was originally colonized by Germany sovereign state in 1956. in 1884 and called German South West Africa. During World War I, South Africa occupied the territory and later adminisAfter independence, nationalist leader Habib Bourguiba became Tunisia’s first president. He ruled the country for more than three tered it under a League of Nations mandate. decades and established a one-party political system that shaped After World War II, South Africa continued Tunisia’s early government. Bourguiba also introduced social to control the area and imposed apartheid reforms, including expanding education and promoting women’s policies. In 1966, the South West Africa rights. Independence marked a major turning point in Tunisia’s People’s Organization (SWAPO) began an history, allowing the country to develop its own political instituarmed struggle for independence, starting tions and national identity. a long conflict against South African rule.
By Stacy M. Brown
BLACKPRESSUSA.COM SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT Three of the original organizers behind the national Target boycott say they won’t be sidelined, erased, or co-opted—especially not by corporate maneuvers or high-profile figures with no ties to their movement. On the Black Press of America’s Let It Be Known News show, Nekima Levy Armstrong, civil rights attorney and founder of the Racial Justice Network; Jaylani Hussein, executive director of CAIR-Minnesota; and Monique Cullars-Doty, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Minnesota, spoke candidly about how their effort to hold Target accountable has been misrepresented, overshadowed, and—most recently—dismissed by the very company they’re boycotting.
The Calvary Baptist Church has been a beacon of hope and spiritual birth in the San Diego, CA, Barrio Logan community for over 137 years. In 1889, Calvary was established as the First Street Baptist Church, located at 1st and B Street. In 1926, the church moved to its current location at the corner of Crosby (now Cesar E. Chavez Parkway) and Julian Street and was renamed Calvary Baptist Church. See CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH pages 6-7
March 13, 2022: A Target store in Houston, Texas, USA on March 13, 2022. Target Corporation is an American big box department store chain. PHOTO: Courtesy of NNPA
“This movement started here, in the Twin Cities,” said Levy Armstrong. “We launched the boycott on February 1, the first day of Black History Month, after Target rolled back its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. That announcement came just days after Donald Trump returned to power and launched his renewed attack on DEI.” See TARGET BOYCOTT page 2
After years of fighting and growing international pressure, South Africa agreed in 1988 to a United Nations peace plan that allowed Namibia to hold democratic elections. In 1989, UN-super vised elections were held, and SWAPO won the majority. Namibia officially became independent in 1990, with SWAPO leader Sam Nujoma sworn in as the first president. The country adopted a democratic constitution and established a presidential republic, marking the beginning of a new era of self-governance and national development.
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Photo: Namibia’s Flag, Wikimedia Commons