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Years
Vol. 66 No. 14 | Thursday, April 2, 2026
www.sdvoice.info
Serving San Diego County’s African & African American Communities 66 Years
‘SPEND IN THE BLACK’ TURNS FAITH INTO ECONOMIC POWER A Chicago church is urging residents to spend with intention — and rebuild Black wealth block by block By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware WORD IN BLACK On a stretch of 75th Street long known for its legacy of Black entrepreneurship, a South Side Chicago megachurch is urging residents to rethink how and where they spend their money. It’s not the first time. On April 4, Salem Baptist Church of Chicago is once again co-hosting “Spend in the Black,” a faith-driven economic initiative designed to channel consumer dollars into Black-owned businesses and rebuild what organizers call “the Black dollar.”
Led by senior pastor the Rev. Dr. Charlie E. Dates — who also serves as senior pastor of Progressive Baptist Church — in partnership with local elected officials and community leaders, the effort blends ministry with marketplace, transforming church influence into economic activism. “This is about resurrecting the Black dollar,” Dates said during one of the marketplace events. “So rather than being in the red, we are spending in the Black.” See 'SPEND IN THE BLACK' page 2
Black consumers are being encouraged to support Black-owned businesses with the “Spend in the Black” initiative, with an eye toward building economic empowerment and generational wealth. PHOTO: Unsplash / Clay Banks
“NO KINGS DAY”
IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY EASTER EGG-CITEMENT! PHOTO: No Kings Rally San Diego March 28, 2026. Public Domain Image, Wikimedia Commons
Voice & Viewpoint Staff Nine million people at 3100 locations across America participated in the “No Kings Day” demonstrations last Saturday, against President Donald Trump and his Administration. Here in San Diego County an estimated 77,000 people demonstrated at 18 locations. One of the largest gatherings was in the City of San Diego, where an estimated 40,000 people marched to the County Administration Building with signs and speeches. Last June, the first of these three demonstrations drew 20,000 people here in San Diego and three million people nationwide. Like so many protests nationwide, many people carried very interest-
ing protest signs. While some were amusing, the message was serious concerning the issues confronting America. One sign said “MAGA” stands for “Morones Are Governing America”. Another said “GOP” stands for “Guardians of Pedophiles” instead of “Grand Old Party”, the name given to the Republican Party.
OG Sandbox and other community organizations across San Diego County bring families together for fun-filled Easter celebrations. PHOTO CREDIT: Darrel Wheeler
SEE PAGES 6-7
MARTHA ABRAHAM’S
CAMPAIGN LAUNCH
See "NO KINGS DAY" page 2
PHOTO: No Kings Rally San Diego March 28, 2026. Public Domain Image, Wikimedia Commons PHOTO: Voice & Viewpoint
Voice & Viewpoint Staff
YOUNG WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 2026 INSPIRES Attendees gather at the Young Women’s Conference for a day of learning and leadership. PHOTO CREDIT: CW, The Freelancer
SEE PAGE 12
About 40 people gathered at the Malcolm X Library to talk with and hear Mrs. Abraham's reasons for seeking the Fourth District City Council seat currently held by Henry Foster. Although Mrs. Abraham emerged on the scene as a vocal community member concerned about development in the Encanto area of the District, she says her concern is for the overall lack of representation and accountability shown by Councilman Foster. See ABRAHAM page 2
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